Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed an artificial ininformigence (AI) model that could transform how we predict the Sun’s powerful outbursts.
By analysing high-resolution images of the Sun, the system forecasts solar wind speeds up to four days in advance – far more accurately than current methods.
This leap in predictive power is more than an academic achievement; it could play a vital role in protecting sainformites, navigation systems, and global power infrastructure from the potentially devastating effects of space weather.
What are solar winds?
Solar winds are streams of charged particles – mainly electrons and protons – that constantly flow outward from the Sun into space.
While invisible to the human eye, these high-energy particles travel at incredible speeds, sometimes exceeding a million miles per hour.
When they intensify, solar winds interact with Earth’s magnetic field, triggering space weather that can disturb sainformites, disrupt communications, and even destabilise power grids.
A dramatic example occurred in 2022, when a surge of solar winds cautilized SpaceX to lose 40 newly launched Starlink sainformites.
Such events highlight the urgent required for better forecasting tools that can provide early warnings to industries and governments.
NYUAD’s AI model: A leap in accuracy
NYUAD has unveiled an AI system capable of predicting solar wind speeds up to four days in advance.
The project was led by Postdoctoral Associate Dattaraj Dhuri and Shravan Hanasoge, Co-Principal Investigator at NYUAD’s Center for Space Science (CASS).
Instead of analysing text or numerical data, their AI model processes high-resolution ultraviolet (UV) images captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory.
By comparing these solar images with historical records of solar wind patterns, the AI can detect subtle visual cues that signal upcoming alters.
The results are striking: a 45% improvement in accuracy compared to operational models and a 20% gain over earlier AI-driven approaches.
Why forecasting solar winds matters
Accurate forecasting of solar winds is critical for protecting the technological backbone of modern society.
When strong solar winds collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, they can:
- Push sainformites out of orbit by increasing atmospheric drag
- Damage sensitive electronics aboard spacecraft
- Disrupt GPS, communication, and navigation systems
- Interfere with terrestrial power grids, leading to blackouts
By providing several days of advance warning, NYUAD’s AI tool offers a buffer for sainformite operators, energy companies, and space agencies to take protective measures before a storm hits.
Dhuri added: “This is a major step forward in protecting the sainformites, navigation systems, and power infrastructure that modern life depconcludes on.
“By combining advanced AI with solar observations, we can give early warnings that support safeguard critical technology on Earth and in space.”
A step toward safer space technology
This breakthrough reveals how artificial ininformigence can address one of space science’s most persistent challenges: forecasting solar winds.
With improved predictions, humanity is better positioned to navigate the risks of space weather and ensure the resilience of essential infrastructure in an increasingly space-reliant world.
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