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To more accurately determine the effects of solar activities on crucial earth-based technology, a specialised centre to forecast the weather in space has been developed in Adelaide.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s facility will deliver around-the-clock space weather information including forecasts, warnings and alerts as well as real-time and historical observations.
Space weather, which is driven by the sun’s activity, affects communications, GPS technology, along with energy supply, aviation and other critical infrastructure.
Solar events, such as flares, coronal mass ejections and particle radiation bursts can have an impact on earth-based systems.
The bureau said the expansion of its space capability would improve the understanding of space weather events and the impacts on Australia’s security and Australians’ lives.
“The sun’s turbulent activity is the main source of space weather,” the centre’s operations manager Kate Brand said.
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“As our reliance on technology grows, so does the risk of disruption to our lives from these events.”
The new centre has been established at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen, the base for the Australian Space Agency and the home to about 80 space-related groups.
Its forecasts and observations are available on the internet while tailored services are provided to the bureau’s partners and customers.
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Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said learning more about space weather would allow Australia to be better prepared for disruptions and incidents.
“Improving our understanding of space weather events and their impact on our critical infrastructure is a priority for the Australian government as we become more reliant on technology for national security and daily life,” the minister said.
Plibersek said the bureau’s expanded capability would also support the continued growth of Australia’s space industry.
“The dedicated space weather and technology experts collaborate with industry to devise, refine and deliver real-time services to suit the needs of this growing industry,” she said.
With AAP. (Content has been tweaked for length and style.)
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
