"Space Weather" is the variability of th near-Earth space due to regular oscillations of the solar activity (solar cycles) and due to extreme events (solar storms). Solar-Terrestrial Physics ranges from processes at the sun's surface to the upper layers of Earth's atmosphere.
The 6th National Space Weather Workshop (NWWW) took place from 24 - 26 September at the DLR Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics in Neustrelitz.
80 scientists from over 20 research institutions, public offices and industry discussed current developments.
The topics ranges from basic research to operational services for the protection of power grids and satellite infrastructure.
Right in time before the maximum of the solar cycle expected for 2024/2025, the German Space Weather Community met at the 6th National Space Weather Workshop in Neustrelitz. The workshop was hosted, as the previous one three years ago, by the DLR Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics. Scientists from a large number of research institutes and universities participated, amongst them several other DLR institutes, e.g. Aerospace Medicine, Atmospheric Physics, and the German Remote Sensing Data Center. But also industry representatives and public offices were present. Consequently, the workshop program included a wide range of topics from basic research to industrial and operational applications.
Space Weather reports for reliable satellite communication
Space weather can disturb critical infrastructure like power grids and communication/navigation satellites. The space weather impacts on these key technologies are studied, amongst others, within the RESITEK project. The "weather-like" behaviour is caused by the interaction of many complex processes. The long-term goal is the development of reliable space weather reports. The DLR Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics already operates the Ionosphere Monitoring and Prediction Center (IMPC).
The 25th solar cycle reaches its maximum
Due to the increasing number of polar light sightings in Germany, the topic of space weather has received increased public interest lately. The polar light sightings are connected to the natural 11-year cycle of solar activity. These cycles have been documented since the 1600s. At the maximum of a solar cycle, both the general solar activity as well as the probability for extreme events (solar storms) are increased. According to the modern enumeration starting in the year of 1755, we are currently in solar cycle 25, which is now at maximum activity. The exact timepoint of a solar cycle maximum is difficult to determine, but the currently high solar activity will continue for some time. Further polar light sightings in Germany are likely.
