Introduction to Space Weather

Solar Activity Geomagnetic Activity Space Weather Observations Space Weather Warning Information

Space Weather Warning Information

Space Weather Observations images

Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) prepares for risks from space weather effects by observing solar activities and changes in the Earth's magnetic field at all times. KMA particularly monitors meteorological satellites operation, aviation weather in polar airways, and ionospheric weather

1. Meteorological Satellites Operation
The meteorological satellites operation is a source of the space weather forecast and newsflash that enables KMA to support stable operations of Chollian satellite and the following meteorological satellite against space weather effects. The space weather factors that influence on the meteorological satellites operation are the solar flare which causes communications disruption, and the geomagnetic storms and magnetopause positions which have an impact on satellite orbits. When issuing a space weather newsflash, KMA monitors and adjusts satellite orbits, modifies the operating angle of the solar photovoltaic modules, and monitors satellite transmission failures.
2. Aviation Weather Observation in Polar Airways
The aviation weather observation in polar airways is a source of the space weather forecast and newsflash that enables KMA to support space weather service decisions of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and space weather administrative standards of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The space weather factors that influence on the aviation weather conditions are the solar flare which causes aviation communications disruption, and the high-energy particles from the sun and the geomagnetic storms which increase the level of radiation in the vicinity of polar airways. When issuing a space weather newsflash, KMA adjusts cruising altitude of an aircraft, advises flight crew flying over the Arctic and monitors GPS signal reception errors and communications interruption.
3. Ionospheric Weather Observation
The ionospheric weather observation is a source of the space weather facorecast and newsflash that enables KMA to support calculating electron density and perceptible water by using observational data from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS). When a solar flare and a geomagnetic storm occur, the electron density of the ionosphere that is super upper atmosphere of the Earth gets increases. KMA utilizes the GNSS to calculate electron density and monitor any changes in the ionosphere. It also calculates perceptible water for its mathematical forecasting. When issuing a space weather newsflash related to the ionospheric weather conditions, KMA monitors changes of meteorological elements and numerical model results which can affect weather and climate prediction.
<Space Weather Warning Information>
Space Weather Alerts Situation Dismissal
Advisory Warning
Meteorological
Satellite
Operation		 R3 R4 and above Retaining stabilized situation for
at least 3 hrs.

(Retaining the situation
under category 2
of NOAA scale for 3 hrs.)
S3 S4 and above
G3 G4 and above
Magnetopause Position
=< Geostationary Orbit		 Magnetopause Position
=< Geostationary Orbit
Polar Airways
Aviation Weather		 R3 R4 and above
S3 S4 and above
G3 G4 and above
Ionospheric
Weather		 R3 R4 and above
G3 G4 and above

* R=Radio Blackouts, S=Solar Radiation Storms, G=Geomagnetic Storms

<Space Weather Effects>
Space Weather
Alerts		 Scale Effects
Meteorological Satellite Operation Polar Airways Aviation Weather Ionospheric Weather
Advisory 3 (Strong) - Errors in satellite orbits increase.
- Satellite communication signals attenuate.
- Orbit attraction of low earth orbit satellites occurs. 		- Efficiency of HF radio communications in polar regions declines.
- Aircrafts navigating through polar airways are exposed to radiation. 		- GPS signals attenuate.
Warning 4 (Severe) - Problems on surface charging and location tracking of satellite occur.
- Orbit attraction of low earth orbit satellites occurs.
- Error value in observed images occurs due to memory device failure.
- Damages to satellites themselves.
- Satellite communications and location tracking are interrupted. 		- HF radio communications in polar regions are disturbed.
- Aircrafts navigating through polar airways are exposed to radiation. 		- GPS communications are disturbed
5 (Extreme) - Problems on surface charging and location tracking of satellite occur.
- Orbit attraction of low earth orbit satellites occurs.
- Error value in observed images occurs due to memory device failure.
- Damages to satellites themselves.
- Satellite communications and locations tracking are interrupted. 		- HF radio communications are impossible in the hemisphere toward the Sun for several hours.
- Aircrafts navigating through polar airways are exposed to radiation. 		- GPS communications are disturbed

*HF=High frequency, LF=Low frequency