SpecialtyNetworkSllc – In a major leap for space weather forecasting, NASA and IBM have jointly unveiled the Surya Heliophysics Foundational Model. This advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system can predict solar flares up to two hours in advance. Such predictions are vital, especially considering the potential of solar flares to disrupt Earth-based technologies.
Unlike traditional models, Surya uses a foundation model architecture. This means it doesn’t require labeled datasets to learn. Instead, it processes raw solar data directly. It was trained using nine years of observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Moreover, it can integrate data from other sources, including the SOHO and Parker Solar Probe missions.
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Thanks to high-resolution imagery and magnetic field readings, Surya can spot active solar regions and predict solar wind speeds. As a result, it can identify flare risks with 16% greater accuracy than previous methods.
According to Kevin Murphy, NASA’s Chief Science Data Officer, Surya’s insights are essential. They help mitigate risks to satellites, power grids, and communication systems. “We’re embedding deep scientific expertise into cutting-edge AI,” Murphy noted.
Additionally, the model enhances the speed and accuracy of solar analysis. This is crucial for protecting astronauts, spacecraft, and vital Earth infrastructure.
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Solar storms can trigger GPS failures, disrupt satellites, and cause blackouts. Therefore, accurate forecasting is no longer optional — it’s necessary. Joseph Westlake from NASA’s Heliophysics Division emphasized the importance of space weather forecasting. Just like meteorology prepares us for storms, Surya prepares us for solar threats.
Importantly, NASA has made Surya publicly accessible. It is now available on Hugging Face and GitHub. This open-source release encourages researchers and developers to test and build new tools, expanding its use far beyond initial forecasts.
