NASA is launching a new mission, TRACERS, to study solar storms and their impact on Earth. The two-satellite system will help forecast solar storms and unlock the mysteries of space weather.
The northern lights have captivated stargazers for generations, but they can also damage our technological infrastructure. Solar winds from the Sun’s atmosphere can trigger powerful explosions of energy, known as magnetic reconnection, which can disable satellites and cause electrical grid failures.
The TRACERS mission aims to better understand this process and its impact on Earth. Two spacecraft will fly in close formation in low Earth orbit, capturing changes in space weather activity in near real time. The mission will help scientists predict how energy from the Sun impacts our planet, including GPS signals, power grids, and communication systems.
According to NASA officials, understanding space weather is crucial for keeping our way of life safe on Earth and enabling safe space exploration. The TRACERS mission is part of NASA’s Small Explorers program and could remain operational beyond its initial 12-month schedule.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/nasa-launch-2-new-satellites-forecast-solar-storms/story?id=123935222