3D solar burst using NASA satellite may help in the prediction of future weather

The NASA scientists have created a solar burst in 3D with the help of three NASA satellites. They have mapped this event, as it may predict the future weather conditions which will affect the Earth, human life, spacecraft, and astronauts.

The model shows the coronal mass ejections or CMEs which are propagated from the Sun with the help of three satellites. Coronal mass ejection releases plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona, which is followed by solar flares present during the solar prominence eruption. It is the same way when a ship in the water moves and forms a bow wave. CMEs produce interplanetary shocks when they generate from the Sun at high speeds with a stream of high energy particles.

The particles which generate from the Sun may change the weather of the space which will affect the spacecraft and astronauts. To predict the weather change, we need to understand the nature of the shocks structure. To do this, a vast number of sensors need to be installed in space which is not possible. Scientists now make a model using satellite to know about the CMEs and the behavior of the shocks structure.

George Mason University and Johns Hopkins University researchers have done observations in two different eruptions from three spacecraft named ESA/NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and NASA’s twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) satellites. First CME erupted in March 2011, and the second CME erupted in February 2014.

To reveal the 3D structure and trajectory of each CME and shock scientist make the CME data to one model called “croissant” for the shape of nascent shocks, and the other is “ellipsoid” model for the shape of expanding shocks.

As published in the Journal of Space Weather and Space climate, the study revealed that the sharp shock is present near CME nose and weaker shock at the sides.

The modeling of the CME helps the scientist to gather information for the space weather forecast and to know about the dangers posses for the spacecraft and the astronauts.