The NASA space weather science and observation gap analysis

Abstract

This document summarizes the results of a science and measurement gap analysis performed by space weather experts from academia, the commercial sector, and the space weather operational and end-user community under a NASA task order to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The analysis informs on how measurements from NASA observatories will advance forecasting, nowcasting, and hindcasting (collectively referred to as “*-casting”) capabilities by focusing on two tasks: (1) assess the current state of NASA’s observational capability to address the science of space weather (SWx) and improve accuracy of predictive forecasting models and (2) identify high-priority measurements critical to improved fore(now)-casting that are either at risk or currently unavailable. The paper describes the gap analysis assumptions, scope, process, and summarizes its output and findings most relevant to the International Space Weather Action Teams (ISWAT) effort.