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19.02.2025

Earth’s Radiation Belts Expand: A New Era of Space Weather?

A recent solar storm has triggered the formation of two new, persistent bands of radiation around Earth, encircling the planet in a zone previously thought to be empty. These temporary radiation belts, which could last for months or even years, pose a threat to satellites and astronauts, and may require engineers to rethink their designs for space missions.

Forecast for 6 months: Increased satellite malfunctions and potential disruptions to global communication networks due to the prolonged exposure to charged particles.
Forecast for 1 year: The development of new technologies and strategies to mitigate the effects of radiation belts on satellites and astronauts, potentially leading to improved space mission designs and safety protocols.
Forecast for 5 years: The establishment of a new era of space weather forecasting, enabling scientists to better predict and prepare for solar storms and their effects on Earth’s radiation belts.
Forecast for 10 years: The deployment of a network of satellites designed to monitor and study Earth’s radiation belts, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of space weather and its impact on our planet.

Tags: development, insights, network, technologies