Space Weather

What is space weather?

• Storms occurring in space involving winds and magnetic waves

• Rain and snow occurring in space

• Temperature changes in space

• Cloud formations in space

What organization is the official source for space weather forecasts in the United States?

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)

• NASA

• The National Weather Service

• The United States Geological Survey

What are solar flares?

• Massive explosions on the sun's surface releasing photons

• Small eruptions on the sun's surface

• Cloud formations on the sun

• Temperature drops on the sun's surface

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME)?

• An enormous bubble of plasma pushed out from the sun’s surface

• A small solar flare

• A type of solar wind

• A decrease in solar activity

How can strong solar storms impact Earth?

• They can cause problems with radio communications, GPS, power grids, and satellites

• They can cause rain and snow

• They can increase Earth's temperature

• They can create new landforms

What natural phenomenon is caused by energized electrons and protons following Earth’s magnetic field?

• Aurora, commonly known as the northern or southern lights

• Solar flares

• Coronal mass ejections

• Space hurricanes

What colors are often seen in the aurora caused by solar disturbances?

• Brilliant yellow-green

• Bright red

• Deep blue

• Vibrant purple