Space safety hazards: space weather

The Sun doesn't feel like a threat – until it does.

Solar storms can put on beautiful light shows in the night sky, known as auroras. But they can also cause serious problems for the technology we rely on every day. Strong solar activity can interfere with communications, power grids and navigation systems on Earth and satellites in orbit.

Although we cannot stop such space weather from happening, we can limit its impact. The most effective protection comes from carefully monitoring the Sun and the effects of solar activity on the space environment around Earth. This information can be shared with system operators through services similar to weather reports and forecasts, so the operators can take protective action when needed.

Observing space weather and reducing its risks are activities of ESA’s Space Safety programme. ESA is building a wide range of space weather services, brought together in the ESA Space Weather Service Network, supported by data from ESA's own space weather sensors deployed in space. These services help industry and spacecraft operators respond quickly and effectively when space weather events occur.

Learn more about Space Weather at ESA and the ESA Space Weather Service network.

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