01/06/2011

UK/US To Collaborate On 'Space Weather'

Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama have welcomed the growing partnership between the Met Office and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service in working toward the delivery of space weather alerts.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Met Office and NOAA in February 2011 provides for a coordinated US-UK partnership. This involves a range of UK and US agencies and organisations in the delivery of Space Weather alerts to help provide critical infrastructure protection around the globe.

The two governments have announced that they will embark together on an ambitious programme to create the world's first combined space weather model capable of forecasting terrestrial weather and also indicating where, when, and for how long space weather effects will persist in our upper atmosphere. Space weather anomalies can disrupt and degrade GPS-enabled positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities.

"We're thrilled that this important partnership is moving forward," said Tom Bogdan, Director of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.

It's noteworthy, he said, that the U.S.-UK collaboration involves operational space weather forecasting as well as the scientific research necessary to improve space weather forecasts.

"A successful space weather program must include both components - operations and science."

Phil Evans, Director of Government Services at the Met Office said: "Working with NOAA is a crucial step in creating the essential partnerships required to ensure the UK is warned of, and protected against the threat posed by space weather"

The partnership was particularly acknowledged in a joint statement in which the leaders agreed in increase higher education, science, and innovation collaboration in the coming months.

(BMcN/GK)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 November 2007
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
08 October 2014
Met Office Opens Space Weather Centre
The Met Office has officially opened a new forecast centre in Exeter dedicated to space weather. It is hoped that the Space Weather Operations Centre will help protect the UK's economy and infrastructure from severe events caused by space weather.
17 December 2010
Big Freeze Returns To British Isles
All part of the UK and the Irish Republic are today heading for a blanket of heavy show as the Met Office predicted night-time temperatures will drop to -5C in some parts of the country.
08 August 2014
Yellow Severe Weather Warning Issued
A severe weather warning has been issued for Wales. The Met Office has issued the yellow warning, saying that heavy rain, strong winds and large waves along the coast, could affect transport and cause disruptions. The weather is being created by the remains of Atlantic hurricane Bertha, which is making its way towards the UK, the Met Office said.
27 January 2014
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, covering most of the country. It is expected to be in place until 22:00 on Monday night. The forecaster has warned of falling temperatures, which could lead to icy, frozen surfaces in untreated areas. Some 14 flood warnings also remain in place, which have been issued by the Environment Agency.