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1. What is space weather?
Space weather refers to the conditions in space created by the Sun’s activity — such as solar winds, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. These events can affect Earth’s magnetic field, satellites, and communication systems.
2. What is the solar wind?
Solar wind is a stream of charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, that flow continuously from the Sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona. It travels through the solar system and influences planetary environments.
3. What is NASA’s PUNCH Mission?
The PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission by NASA aims to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) and the solar wind together as one system. Using four small satellites, it will capture detailed images to “make the invisible solar wind visible.” The mission seeks to understand how solar wind forms and evolves as it moves outward from the Sun.
4. Why should humans study space weather?
Studying and forecasting space weather helps protect technology and human life. It allows early warnings for solar storms that can damage satellites, disrupt GPS and power grids, and pose radiation risks to astronauts.
5. What is the solar maximum?
The solar maximum is the most active phase of the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle. During this time, sunspots and eruptions are more frequent, and strong magnetic storms can disturb Earth’s space environment.
6. How can space weather affect daily life?
- Interrupt GPS navigation and radio communication.
- Disrupt aviation routes and satellite operations.
- Trigger power outages or internet disruptions during strong geomagnetic storms.
7. How do scientists study and forecast space weather?
Scientists use ground-based observatories and space missions like NASA’s PUNCH to observe the Sun’s corona and solar wind. Continuous monitoring helps predict when and how solar activity might impact Earth.
8. Can India contribute to this research?
Yes. India’s space agencies and scientific institutions collaborate internationally and build instruments that monitor solar activity. This strengthens India’s ability to forecast space weather and safeguard its satellite systems.
9. Why is space weather study crucial for the future?
As space exploration expands and dependence on satellites grows, understanding space weather becomes essential to ensure communication safety, navigation reliability, and mission success beyond Earth.