NOTICE: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense, the United States Department of the Navy, and the Naval Research Laboratory of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy and the Naval Research Laboratory does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD Web site. SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION: Research and Development ``Space weather'' refers to the state of the magnetosphere and ionosphere which is determined by the solar wind. Under disturbed conditions, satellite- and ground-based technological systems, e.g., communications networks, electric power grids, and satellites, can suffer deleterious effects. Such systems are particularly vulnerable during severe geomagnetic storms . Large storms are relatively infrequent, but when they occur, they can stress the susceptible systems for prolonged periods of time over large geographic areas. Secure operation of systems can still be maintained and hazards can be minimized if the occurrence, duration, and severity of impending storms can be accurately predicted in a timely manner. Thus, space weather forecasting is important for protecting national assets in both the commercial and military sectors. This task is being carried out by the | |
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