A major leaps in space weather research, Lancaster University has announced the UK’s first terrestrial space weather monitor for over 40 years.
Installed at the Met Office site in Cornwall, this cutting-edge neutron monitor represents a joint effort between Lancaster’s Faculty of Engineering, the UK Atomic Energy Agency (UKAEA), and Mirion Technologies (Canberra UK) Ltd.
The design and development was led by Dr. Michael Aspinol and his team, and rigorous testing was conducted at the Chipil beamline of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) ISIS neutron and moon sources.
Aspinall said of the results: “This project is a major milestone for the UK in advancing space weather monitoring capabilities, and is important to protect modern infrastructure and everyday life.
“The adoption of this neutron monitor online in collaboration with Met Office and other international partners will enhance global resilience to space weather risks by providing real-time data and new measurement capabilities.
“With new designs of equipment that have not been radically changed in 60 years, we are not only building the past, but setting new standards for the future of neutron monitoring.
“The NM-2023 monitor introduces innovations that improve efficiency, sustainability and affordability, while providing the critical data needed to better understand and mitigate the impact of space weather. .”
Understanding the weather in space
Space weather includes a range of environmental phenomena driven by solar activity. The emission of solar energy and materials directed towards the Earth can cause changes in the electromagnetic and radiating environments of the space, atmosphere, and surfaces near the Earth.
At normal solar activity levels, space weather effects are minimal. However, natural variation can lead to serious extreme spatial meteorological events.
During these disturbances, the intensity of space weather phenomena can escalate dramatically, poses significant risks to human technologies, including satellites, power grids, communications, navigation and transportation infrastructure.
As a result, space weather is recognized as an environmental risk to the critical hardware, infrastructure and services that support our society and economy.
Strengthening the weather monitoring network in global space
This newly developed neutron monitor couples to an international consortium of approximately 45 similar sensors specialized in continuously observing neutron variation on the surface of the Earth.
These observations are important for assessing the impact of space weather phenomena. The project will also deploy a small monitor at Lancaster University, further strengthening the UK’s surveillance capabilities.
Detect ground level enhancements
The main function of the monitor is to detect sudden increases in the number of neutrons known as ground enhancement (GLE).
These spherical shapes occur during solar radiation storms and are caused by the acceleration of particles near the sun.
By identifying these neutron spikes, the monitor allows timely alerts and AIDS issuance in the verification of existing predictive models of solar radiation storms. Such storms can disrupt satellites and cause widespread power outages on Earth.
Simon Machin, weather manager at Met Office Space, added: “The new UK-based Neutron Monitor will strengthen global surveillance of space weather events and will become an important part of the ongoing spatial weather forecasting and verification services.
“Severe spatial weather events are rare, but this increased capacity and resilience helps scientists and industries manage risks and mitigate impacts as much as possible.”
Financing and strategic alignment with national initiatives
The project received funding from the UK Council of Science and Technology Facilities under the Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modeling and Risk (SWIMMR) programme.
Swimmr aims to strengthen the UK’s capabilities in space weather monitoring and forecasting through a series of target projects.
The installation of this neutron monitor coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Met Office Space Weather Operations Center (MOSWOC).
Over the past decade, Moswoc has been supporting key industries that predict numerous space weather phenomena and manage the risks posed by solar activity.
Beyond operational forecasts, MOSWOC is actively contributing to the international scientific community, advancing space and meteorological sciences and developing global capabilities.
A recent value report estimates that Met Office’s space weather capabilities will be worth £800 million in the UK over the next decade.
As solar activity continues to affect our planets, the deployment of advanced spatial weather monitors like this neutron detector predicts and mitigates potential disruptions in our technology-dependent society. It is essential to do so.
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