NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will hold a media teleconference on October 15 at 2 p.m. EDT to discuss the ongoing Solar Cycle 25. This cycle is crucial for understanding the Sun's activity and its potential impacts on technology and infrastructure as humanity ventures deeper into space.
During the teleconference, experts from both agencies, including members of the International Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, will share insights on recent solar cycle developments and forecasts for the future. Key speakers include Jamie Favors, Kelly Korreck, Elsayed Talaat, Bill Murtagh, and Lisa Upton.
The Sun operates on an 11-year cycle, with periods of heightened activity known as solar maximum. During these phases, the Sun can emit powerful bursts of light and energy, leading to space weather conditions that can disrupt satellites, affect astronauts, and interfere with communication systems like radio and GPS, as well as power grids on Earth.
Recent solar activity has already demonstrated these impacts, with notable events, such as the solar storm in May 2024, causing auroras and affecting satellite operations. NASA plays a vital role in monitoring solar activity through a fleet of spacecraft dedicated to studying the Sun and its influence on the space environment surrounding Earth.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center serves as the official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts in the United States, ensuring that the impacts of solar activity are effectively communicated and managed.