New Frontier in space weather forecasting opens

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre has been formally opened by the Minister for Environment and Water in Adelaide.

The centre will deliver 24/7 space weather forecasting and warning services to support Australia’s space industry understand, prepare for and respond to space weather events.

Space weather affects communications, GPS, energy supply, aviation and other critical infrastructure.

The Bureau’s expansion of its space weather capability will improve industry’s and governments’ understanding of space weather events and the impacts on Australia’s security and Australians’ lives.

Dr Kate Brand, Operations Manager at the Bureau’s Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre, said space weather is principally driven by the Sun.

“The Sun’s turbulent activity is the main source of space weather. Solar events that cause space weather impact include solar flares, coronal mass ejections and particle radiation events. As our reliance on technology grows, so does the risk of disruption to our lives from these events.”

The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre is based at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, alongside 80 other space industry agencies and businesses. The Bureau collaborates closely with its industry and government partners to devise, refine and deliver real-time services to those who need them most.

Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek MP, and Deputy Premier Susan Close MP, formally opened the Bureau of Meteorology's Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre in Adelaide.