Space Weather Facts & Forecast

Technological Impacts of Space Weather - What's at Risk, and What Can Be Done?

Solar storms have a range of potentially disrupting effects on satellites, radio communications, and the power grid. While harm almost never comes from the average geomag

Why are There More Auroras at the Equinoxes?

It's been known for over a century that auroral storms are stronger and more frequent around the spring and fall equinoxes. Why is this the case? In this episode I dig in

How to Observe Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas: When and Where to Head Out

Last month I talked about a potential bright comet coming, and now it's here! In this episode I give the information you need to find it. Catch its morning show if you're

How to See the Next Bright Comet (Maybe), and How Space Weather Affects Comets

This fall, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is predicted to be visible to the naked eye, and some think it could be a truly bright spectacle. In this show, I give an overview of h

The Strongest Storm in a Generation: May 2024 vs. Halloween 2003

On May 10, we experienced one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in the last 25 years. In this episode, I summarise the key points of this article by Christian Harris, t

Parker Solar Probe: A Mission to Touch the Sun

This month on the podcast, I talk about a special mission that was launched to study the sun and space weather. It's called the Parker Solar Probe, and it continues to se

How to Chase the Aurora: What Data to Look for Before You Head Out

In this episode I break down by latitude what Kp and other data to watch for when going aurora chasing in the Northern Hemisphere. It can seem an endless sea of confusing

Where is the Edge of the Solar System? Plus the Space Weather Forecast

The solar system is huge, and it turns out that defining where it ends is tricky! Depending on the definition we use, we can come up with wildly different estimates for i

Poles, Poles, and More Poles! How Does the Earth's Magnetic Field Work?

Today, I give an overview of the Earth's magnetic field. How is it formed and what does it do? Listen to find out! I also give the space weather forecast, in which the Su

How Does the Sun Burn?

The sun clearly produces enormous amounts of light and heat, which sustain life on our planet. How does it do this? Is it a big ball of fire in space? I answer that and m

Space Weather and Solar Eclipses - How Are They Related?

On October 14, the annular solar eclipse I described in the last episode came and went. Hopefully you got to see it! Now, I'll be describing how solar eclipses affect spa

Solar Eclipses - What They Are, and How to See the Next Two

In this show, learn what solar eclipses are and how to see two amazing upcoming ones! Here are the links to the useful pages I mention: October 14, 2023: timeanddate.com

What is the Solar Radio Flux? And a Quiet Solar Forecast

The solar radio flux is an important value in space weather monitoring and helps gauge solar cycle strength. It also impacts HF radio. What is it? I explain in the show.

A Brief History of Space Weather Observation - And Important Podcast Updates!

Today, I'm diving into a short history of space weather observation and forecasting, from the 19th century to the present day. Enjoy learning about space weather and kee

Supernovas! An Overview - Plus the Space Weather Forecast

Supernovas are a hot topic right now in the world of astronomy, as a new one was just discovered in the Pinwheel Galaxy! Listen to find out all about supernovas, their po

A Summary of Solar Radiation Storms

Solar radiation storms are yet another way space weather can impact humans and technology. How? All the answers are in the episode. I also include next week's space weath

STEVE - The Aurora’s Purple Companion! And a Break From Solar Storms

Sometimes, not only the aurora glows in the night sky. STEVE is a phenomenon only discovered in 2016 that can also be found lighting up the upper atmosphere. What is it a

An Intro to Solar Filaments and Prominences - And the Space Weather Forecast

In this episode I take a look at two solar phenomena that are really the same thing with different names: filaments and prominences. Want to learn what they are or how th

An Update on Solar Cycle 25 Progress - And the Accompanying Space Weather Forecast

In this episode, I take a look at our solar cycle, cycle 25, and how it's progressing. One thing is for sure, predicting solar cycle strength is no easy task! Some materi

What are Radio Blackouts? And the Active Space Weather Forecast

In this episode I cover radio blackouts: what they are, how they're connected to solar flares, why they matter, and more. I also give the space weather forecast, with man