Abu Dhabi scientists have developed a powerful artificial intelligence model that can predict the speed of solar winds up to four days ahead.
The model developed at the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) will help Earth prepare for solar storms that threaten satellites, navigation systems and power grids.
Their study, published this month in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series on September 8, explains how the AI system was trained to read high-resolution ultraviolet images of the Sun so it can identify patterns of solar winds.
“This is a major step forward in protecting the satellites, navigation systems and power infrastructure that modern life depends on,” said Dattaraj Dhuri, lead author of the study and postdoctoral associate at NYUAD’s Centre for Space Science. “By combining advanced AI with solar observations, we can give early warnings that help safeguard critical technology on Earth and in space.”
Why is it important to forecast solar winds?
Solar winds are continuous streams of charged particles released by the Sun that can sometimes intensify into powerful storms. And when these bursts collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, they create remarkable displays such as the Northern Lights.
The university’s model uses images from Nasa’s Solar Dynamics Observatory along with solar wind records. It then looks for small changes on the Sun’s surface that hint when the solar wind might pick up.
Findings in the study showed that there was a 45 per cent improvement in forecast accuracy by the AI model compared to existing models. There was also a 20 per cent improvement over earlier AI-based approaches.
Researchers want to forecast these events because of the potential damage they can cause to infrastructure and satellites.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX lost 40 of its Starlink satellites in 2022 when intense solar wind created a drag in the atmosphere, causing the devices to be pulled out of orbit.
In 1989, a geomagnetic storm caused by solar wind triggered a blackout in Quebec, Canada, plunging millions into darkness for 12 hours.
The most powerful event on record, the Carrington Event of 1859, sparked fires at telegraph stations and disrupted global communications. It is named after Richard Carrington, an English astronomer who, with colleagues, assessed the phenomenon from stations across London and the south of England.
Nasa has said that if a storm of that magnitude struck today, its effects could lead to crippled economies as power is disrupted and communication systems across continents collapse.
Dagger at sharp end of today's forecasts
The NYUAD’s AI model adds momentum to a global trend of using AI to forecast conditions in space.
Nasa released a model in 2023 called the Deep Learning Geomagnetic Perturbation, or Dagger, which can issue warnings of solar storms 30 minutes before they strike Earth. Dagger uses AI and real-time satellite data to predict geomagnetic disturbances worldwide, producing updates every minute.
Nasa’s model offer’s critical short-term alerts, while the NYUAD system extends the forecast window to four days. That gives satellite operators, telecom companies and energy companies more time to implement safety measures.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
GOLF’S RAHMBO
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
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Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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The bio
His favourite book - 1984 by George Orwell
His favourite quote - 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' by Derek Bok, Former President of Harvard
Favourite place to travel to - Peloponnese, Southern Greece
Favourite movie - The Last Emperor
Favourite personality from history - Alexander the Great
Role Model - My father, Yiannis Davos
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The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
