Space Weather Prediction Tool for Space Exploration

This site distributes the live SOHO/COSTEP warnings. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA.

Please inform the PI before using this data for scientific analysis.

Implementation by Amy Forinash and Arik Posner. Please contact us if you have comments or problems.

Reference: Posner, A., Up to 1-hour forecasting of radiation hazards from solar energetic ion events with relativistic electrons, Space Weather, Vol. 5, S05001, doi:10.1029/2006SW000268, 2007.

Extraterrestrial Physics CAU Kiel
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SOHO: Solar and Heliospheric Observatory
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CCMC: Community Coordinated Modeling Center
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Relativistic Electron Alert System for Exploration (REleASE)

Astronauts venturing beyond the protective magnetic field of Earth face the direct effects of the Sun and unpredictable outbreaks of activity. Within even one hour, explorers can be engulfed with particles that cause harmful long- or short-term health effects and put missions at risk. “Going Outside” requires a space weather warning system.

New research has shown that electrons traveling at the speed of light are always present in solar particle eruptions. These electrons – traveling much faster than the hazardous solar energetic protons – follow the magnetic lines of force from the Sun to the Earth.

Therefore, they can be used as an reliable early warning sign of hazardous radiation ahead. The relativistic electron method currently relies on data of the COmprehensive SupraThermal and Energetic Particle analyzer (COSTEP) onboard the SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).