How can a strong solar physics research ecosystem help India address challenges in space weather prediction?

A strong solar physics research ecosystem is crucial for understanding the Sun’s behavior and its impact on space weather, which directly affects modern technological infrastructure. Space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can disrupt satellite communications, navigation systems, and power grids. Building expertise in solar physics can help India in the following ways:

• Improved Space Weather Prediction: Advanced research enables the development of accurate models to forecast solar storms, giving early warnings to vulnerable sectors.
• Protection of Satellites: Timely predictions help protect Indian satellites by allowing operators to switch off sensitive instruments or change their orientation during solar events.
• Safeguarding Power Grids: Accurate forecasts allow power companies to take preventive measures, reducing the risk of large-scale blackouts caused by geomagnetic storms.
• Enhanced Communication Reliability: Research helps minimize disruptions in radio and GPS signals, which are vital for aviation, military, and civilian activities.
• Boosting Indigenous Capabilities: Developing in-house expertise reduces dependence on foreign data and models, making India self-reliant in space weather management.
• Supporting National Security: Reliable space weather prediction is crucial for defense operations that rely on satellite-based communication and navigation systems.
• Promoting Scientific Collaboration: A robust research ecosystem fosters collaboration with international agencies, improving data sharing and joint responses to global space weather events.