AI Insight
A Southwest Research Institute team has developed an improved solar prediction model that incorporates activity from both the visible and far side of the sun. By analyzing whole-surface solar maps from 2010 to 2014 using combined Earth-based and space-based observations, researchers created more complete surface flux transport models than previously available. This advancement allows for better tracking of solar activity across the entire solar surface rather than just the Earth-facing hemisphere.
Why it matters
Improved solar activity prediction is critical for forecasting space weather events that can disrupt satellite communications, GPS systems, power grids, and pose radiation risks to astronauts. More accurate models that account for far-side solar activity provide earlier warning of potential solar storms before active regions rotate into Earth view.
Understand the Science
A Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)-led team has developed an improved model for predicting solar events that incorporates activity on the far side of the sun. The team studied near-simultaneous maps of the whole solar surface from 2010 to 2014, combining Earth observations with data from space-based assets showing the opposite side. The resulting framework constructs surface flux transport (SFT) models that are more complete and accurate than any previous model.
Source: New solar model maps sun more accurately by checking far-side activity