How the weather in space can affect us on Earth – and the team trying to protect us
The Met Office runs a round-the-clock space weather forecasting team to monitor solar activity that could disrupt essential services on Earth, including GPS, power grids and satellites. It is working with researchers led by Aberystwyth University to improve warnings, which matter because severe events can affect infrastructure and cause major economic losses.
Space weather is largely caused by solar flares and other activity from the Sun, with the UK listing severe events on its National Risk Register. Scientists may spot an event about three days before it reaches Earth, but receive more precise data only around an hour beforehand; a 2025 Lloyd’s estimate put the potential global cost of a severe event at $2.4tn over five years. The Sun reached its activity peak in 2024, contributing to more visible Northern Lights, while advance warnings have helped operators limit disruption.
- Space weather can threaten power, GPS and satellites.
- Forecasting gives infrastructure operators time to prepare.
- Better observations are needed for more precise warnings.
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Space weather refers to changes in conditions around Earth caused by activity on the Sun, including solar flares. When this activity reaches Earth, it can interfere with satellites and signals used for GPS, and may affect power grids.
The Met Office has forecasters who monitor the Sun around the clock, while researchers at Aberystwyth University are studying how to improve warnings. These alerts give organisations that run essential services time to prepare.
Severe space weather is listed among the UK’s national risks because disruption could affect daily services and cause substantial economic losses. How much warning is available depends on the event and on when scientists can collect detailed information.