Space Weather Prediction Center

We can predict space weather—what if we could also stop it?

We can predict space weather—what if we could also stop it? Stephanie Baum Scientific Editor Robert Egan Associate Editor The weather on Earth can get pretty messy sometimes. But in space, it can be wild, and the effects can be far-reaching.

Incoming CME could spark impressive northern lights over the northern US tonight

Incoming CME could spark impressive northern lights over the northern US tonight A coronal mass ejection is currently racing toward Earth and could trigger G2 to G3 geomagnetic storm conditions on June 8, potentially boosting aurora displays across northern latitudes. An incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to slam into Earth's magnetic field today (June 8), potentially triggering geomagnetic storm conditions strong enough to supercharge auroras into mid-latitudes. The CME...

Aurora alert! 4 Earth-bound CMEs could spark northern lights as far south as Illinois and Oregon tonight

4 Earth-bound CMEs could spark northern lights as far south as Illinois and Oregon tonight Heads up aurora chasers! We could be in for a show! Multiple CMEs are en route and could spark strong geomagnetic storm conditions and auroras deep into mid latitudes.

Swift thinking buys NASA observatory a little more time before re-entry

Scientists propose spraying chemicals into Earth's magnetic field to protect us from powerful solar storms

Scientists propose spraying chemicals into Earth's magnetic field to protect us from powerful solar storms "When you apply some really serious physics to it, it does work." When severe solar storms hurtle toward Earth, the planet's first line of defense is its magnetosphere, a vast magnetic bubble that deflects the brunt of the sun's dangerous charged particles. Historically, humanity has only attempted to forecast the storms and brace for impact.

Child drownings spike during heat waves—and it's a serious climate justice issue

Child drownings spike during heat waves—and it's a serious climate justice issue Lisa Lock Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Lead Editor At least 15 people drowned in open water in the UK's recent heat wave, mostly children and teenagers. The public response is understandably urgent: warnings are issued, parents are told to talk to their children, and young people are reminded that rivers, lakes, reservoirs and canals can be dangerous. Those warnings matter.

Grading bold preseason predictions for all 30 NBA ...

Before this NBA season began, I made 30 bold but realistic predictions, one for each team. In retrospect, some of them made me look prescient and smart. So as the 2025-26 season winds down and the offseason approaches, it's a good time to reflect on those scattered prognoses.

August 2026 lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the 96% 'blood moon'

August 2026 lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the 96% 'blood moon' A deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026, will be visible in North America and will be the best lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028. On Aug. 27-28, 2026, a very deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Africa, North America and South America, with just over 96% of the moon passing into Earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses happen when Earth is between the sun and a full moon.

Inside the planning and building of a UFC event on...

THE ENORMITY OF the mission ahead -- staging a UFC event at the White House -- started sinking in for Craig Borsari only after multiple UFC-White House meetings culminated in the decision to install a giant portable arena nicknamed "the claw" on the South Lawn. Borsari's boss, UFC chief executive Dana White, had tasked him with the logistics for UFC Freedom 250 and its adjacent fanfest, scheduled for this weekend. The UFC chief content officer, working with a $60 million budget and facing...

Q&A: How better climate data supports smarter environmental decisions

Q&A: How better climate data supports smarter environmental decisions Gaby Clark Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Accurate measurements are the foundation of effective environmental management and decision-making. Through advanced monitoring networks and computer models, Ken Davis, professor of meteorology and atmospheric science in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and his research group are helping scientists, communities, and policymakers better understand...