Space Weather – What is it and why should we care?
Talk by Dr Rebecca Spalton, Met Office.
Weather in Space? What, really? Yes, we have space weather and it is all linked to our nearest star: the Sun. Come along and find out how solar features such as sunspots can cause radiation and particles to be ejected out into space. Then find out how, if these head towards Earth, they can cause everything from the Northern Lights to impacts on satellites, electricity grids and communications…
Dr Spalton is a space weather forecaster at the Met Office, monitoring the Sun for events which might impact our technology here at Earth. She has worked at the Met Office for over twenty years, spending time working as a weather forecaster in different areas, including supporting the RAF and producing the Shipping Forecast. In her spare time, Rebecca loves to get out walking and exploring the beautiful Devon countryside.
This talk will take place during the Norman Lockyer Observatory Family Fun Day for which a £15 per adult entry charge applies. Children 0-17 go free.
This year there are four space-themed talks – Planet-forming discs with the James Webb Space Telescope, The quest for new worlds, Chaos in weather forecasting and Space Weather.
In association with the Norman Lockyer Observatory.
