Does Space Weather Matter to Astrobiology? The International Space Weather Initiative

Hans J. Haubold

doi:10.4172/2332-2519.1000e101

Abstract

Does Space Weather Matter to Astrobiology? The International Space Weather Initiative

Highlights

Space weather events can have significant effects all the way from the Sun to Earth
These events may have severe consequences ranging from human exposure to increased radiation to disruption of communications, navigation and timing, and electrical power. This short communication summarizes briefly the current status of the International Space Weather Initiative (ISWI) implemented in the spirit of the continuation of the International Heliophysical Year 2007 (IHY), facilitated by the United Nations (UN) [1,2]. This short communication is calling on the astrobiology community to explore avenues for cooperation in basic space science in terms of data analysis and modeling, focusing on issues common to astrobiology and space weather [3,4,5,6]
The basic space science initiative of the United Nations is a longterm effort for the development of astronomy and space science through regional and international cooperation in these disciplines on a worldwide basis, in developing nations (Figure 1)

Summary

REdeitsoeriaarlch Article

Does Space Weather Matter to Astrobiology? The International Space Weather Initiative. Solar activity at other planets, and elsewhere in the solar system, can be important, and violent flare activity can even be observed at other stars These events may have severe consequences ranging from human exposure to increased radiation to disruption of communications, navigation and timing, and electrical power. This short communication summarizes briefly the current status of the International Space Weather Initiative (ISWI) implemented in the spirit of the continuation of the International Heliophysical Year 2007 (IHY), facilitated by the United Nations (UN) [1,2]. Data emanating from more than 1000 space weather instruments operating in more than 112 nations (at this point of time) may be utilized for the benefit of astrobiology

Basic space science initiative

International heliophysical year

International Space Weather Initiative

Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance Monitor

Solar telescope networks

Ionosphere networks

Magnetometer network

Particle detector networks