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Marshall Headlines Chandra's
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FEATURED PHOTO
Lonely halo
For release: 04/29/2002
Photo release #: N02-002
NASA, university scientists see prediction of solar storms in future
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Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)NASA Marshall and University Scientists at Solar Vector Magnetograph
Using the Solar Vector Magnetograph, a solar-observation facility at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., scientists from the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville are monitoring the explosive potential of magnetic areas of the Sun. This effort could someday lead to better prediction of severe space weather, a phenomenon that occurs when blasts of particles and magnetic fields from the Sun impact the magnetosphere, the magnetic bubble around the Earth.
From top counter-clockwise, contributing researchers include solar scientist Dr. Allen Gary of the Marshall Center; solar scientist Dr. Ron Moore of Marshall, research associate Dr. David Falconer of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Chief Solar Observer James Smith of Marshall and solar physicist Dr. Mona Hagyard of Marshall. Hagyard, the director of the observatory, leads the development, operation and research program of the Solar Vector Magnetograph.
The NSSTC is a partnership with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., Alabama universities and federal agencies. (NASA Marshall/Doug Stoffer)
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Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)The Sun-Earth Connection
NASA and university scientists from the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) are watching the Sun in an effort to better predict space weather - blasts of particles and magnetic field from the Sun that impact the magnetosphere, the magnetic bubble around the Earth. Filled by charged particles trapped in Earth's magnetic field, the spherical comet-shaped magnetosphere extends out 40,000 miles from Earth's surface in the sunward direction and more in other directions.
When massive solar explosions, known as coronal mass ejections, blast through the Sun's outer atmosphere and plow toward Earth at speeds of thousands of miles per second, the resulting effects can be harmful to communication satellites and astronauts outside the Earth's magnetosphere. On the ground, the magnetic storm wrought by these solar particles can knock out electric power.
Advances in space-weather prediction could give people on Earth more time to prepare by placing satellites in a safe configuration, planning the best time for astronaut space walks or rocket launches, and implementing contingency plans to deal with any power outages.
The NSSTC is a partnership with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., Alabama universities and federal agencies. (Steele Hill/NASA )
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Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)Artists Concept of a birth of a Coronal Mass Ejection
On the Sun, coronal mass ejections occur when solar magnetic field lines snake around each other, forming the letter "S". Usually, they go past each other. But if they connect, it's like a short circuit. The mid-section breaks loose and drives out a coronal mass ejection. (NASA/MSFC)
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