Met Office space weather forecasters work to protect Earth from solar storms

The Met Office operates a 24/7 space weather prediction team, one of only a few worldwide, working with Aberystwyth University and other institutions to forecast solar activity and alert infrastructure operators to take protective action. Scientists can now spot solar events about three days before they reach Earth, giving operators roughly one hour for precise prediction and mitigation.

Space weather forecasting remains an early and developing field; exact forecasts are not yet possible. The technology is impressive but still limited—observations disappear between the Sun's surface and satellites one million miles away.