top of page
Search

Space Weather

The Sun, Solar Cycles, and Why Space Weather Matters to Our Community


Introduction

A powerful solar flare erupts from the Sun’s surface amid dark sunspots, highlighting the increased activity of the current solar cycle and its potential impact on Earth’s space weather systems.
A powerful solar flare erupts from the Sun’s surface amid dark sunspots, highlighting the increased activity of the current solar cycle and its potential impact on Earth’s space weather systems.

Most of us think about the weather happening here on Earth—storms, tornadoes, snow—but did you know there’s also weather in space? It’s called space weather, and it comes from our Sun. Right now, the Sun is getting more active as part of something called the solar cycle, and it could have effects right here in Clinton County.


What Is a Solar Cycle?

The Sun goes through changes about every 11 years, called the solar cycle. During this time, the number of sunspots (dark spots on the Sun’s surface) rises and falls. When there are more sunspots, the Sun is more active. This active period is called solar maximum. Right now, we are heading into a solar maximum that is expected to peak in 2025.


What Is Space Weather?

Space weather is caused by energy and particles released from the Sun. This can include:

  • Solar flares: Sudden flashes of energy from the Sun’s surface.

  • Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): Large clouds of charged particles blasted from the Sun.

  • Solar wind: A steady flow of particles that the Sun sends into space all the time.


These solar events can travel through space and reach Earth, sometimes causing problems.


Why Should We Care?

Most space weather doesn’t hurt us directly because Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect us. But strong solar events can still affect:

  • Satellites: Knocking them offline or damaging them.

  • GPS: Making it less accurate or causing signal loss.

  • Power grids: In rare cases, strong space weather can cause power outages.

  • Radio communications: High-frequency radio signals used by pilots and emergency responders can be disrupted.


For communities like Clinton County, these impacts can affect everything from 911 dispatch systems to weather alerts and communications with first responders.


What Can We Do?

Even though we can’t stop space weather, we can prepare. Here’s how:

  1. Monitor alerts: Agencies like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center track solar activity and send out warnings.

  2. Emergency managers plan ahead: Clinton County EMA includes space weather in its risk planning, just like we do for floods or tornadoes.

  3. Use backups: We encourage systems like satellite phones, ham radios, and power banks for critical operations during possible disruptions.

  4. Households can prepare, too: Families should keep a basic emergency kit ready, including flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and a way to charge phones without power—like a solar charger or battery pack. Staying informed and having a plan helps reduce the impact of unexpected outages.


Summary

The Sun’s activity is increasing, and that means more space weather is likely over the next year or two. While most people won’t notice it day to day, it’s something emergency managers and utility companies watch closely. Just like any other kind of weather, the better we understand it, the better we can prepare.


References

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page