Prepare for the discussion by looking at the following materials: The major satellites that provide early warning information about solar flares and CMEs have been on the job for several years. How long will they last, and why does it matter? Read an article about how solar storms could affect electricity grids on Earth. Access the EBSCOhost Research Databases. Check the box for Select All and click on the Continue button. Search for "Solar Surprise" in the search box. Select the article titled "Solar Surprise" by Stuart Clark, which was published in New Scientist Then analyze the timeline for consideration of the Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act (a.k.a., Space Weather Coordination Act). The Act is an attempt to coordinate federal agencies’ study and forecasting of space weather, as well as to determine the vulnerability of infrastructure to geomagnetic storms.A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate put the bill’s cost at $182 million over five years when the bill was first introduced in 2016. The policy of the U.S. government includes strong support for research into and preparedness for the effects of space weather. Does the government’s policy match its actions? Does it match the seriousness of the situation? What are the consequences? Post a detailed response to the Solar Weather Preparation Discussion prompt. Then respond to two classmates' posts.

Question

short answer

Answer 1

The major satellites that provide early warning information about solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are critical for monitoring space weather and can significantly impact Earth's technological infrastructure. These satellites have been operational for several years, and their lifespan is important because a degradation in their capabilities could leave us vulnerable to the adverse effects of solar storms, including disruptions to electricity grids, satellite communication, and navigation systems.

The article "Solar Surprise" by Stuart Clark highlights the unpredictability of solar storms and their potential impact on Earth, emphasizing the need for adequate forecasting and infrastructure preparedness. The Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act aims to enhance coordination among federal agencies in studying and forecasting space weather threats and assessing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to geomagnetic storms.

Despite strong government support, a Congressional Budget Office estimate in 2016 suggested that the cost of the Act would be $182 million over five years, raising questions about whether the current funding and actions are sufficient given the seriousness of potential space weather events. A mismatch between policies and actions could lead to dire consequences, including widespread disruptions to modern technology, economic losses, and safety hazards.

In conclusion, while the government recognizes the importance of space weather preparedness, its actions need to align with the risks posed by solar storms to ensure that we are adequately protected against these increasingly challenging threats.