Read, Watch or Listen

Space weather forecasting lags behind Earth weather prediction, primarily due to limited data. Currently, we rely on satellites near Lagrange Point 1 (L1), providing only 1-2 hours' warning before a solar storm hits. The key missing information is the magnetic field orientation (Bz component) which determines the storm's impact. Scientists advocate for additional satellites at other Lagrange points, like L5, offering a week's advance warning. While models exist, better data acquisition, requiring significant investment, is crucial to improve prediction accuracy and mitigate the potential for trillions of dollars in damage from severe solar storms.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.