Inferring Solar Coronal Currents to Determine the Origins of Space Weather

We propose to develop an observational tool that will allow us to predict the onset of eruptions using solar surface vector magnetograms, or any future vector magnetograms in the solar atmosphere, by targeting the cause of the eruptions: the electric currents that build up in the solar atmosphere. Our approach utilizes expertise and existing tools at GSFC and will produce an analysis tool that can be run on existing and future NASA satellite asset data to infer when these electric currents build up prior to eruption. This vital piece in the chain of information needed to develop accurate space weather will provide predictive capabilities and also the initial conditions for space weather models, which are necessary for human DNA technological exploration of our solar system.

Observational analysis tool predicting solar eruption onset using surface vector magnetograms; inference of electric current buildup prior to eruption; vital initial conditions for space weather models; improved predictive capabilities for human and technological exploration.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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