The Sun isn’t as steady as it seems. Beneath its blinding glow, magnetic fields twist and snap, unleashing eruptions of charged particles that race across space. These outbursts, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), have long defied scientists’ efforts to predict them accurately. But a recent breakthrough suggests artificial intelligence (AI) might finally crack the code of solar storms.
CMEs are colossal blasts of plasma from the Sun’s corona, triggered when magnetic fields suddenly realign, according to NASA. These eruptions can speed through space at hundreds to thousands of kilometers per second. When aimed at Earth, they collide with our magnetic field within days, setting off geomagnetic storms that can disrupt satellites, interfere with GPS systems, and even threaten power grids. Yet, they’re also behind the dazzling auroras that light up polar skies.
Forecasting these solar tempests has always been a challenge. However, a new study led by Sabrina Guastavino from the University of Genoa indicates that AI could revolutionize space weather predictions. The research, highlighted by Science Alert, focused on the intense solar activity of 2024, particularly from a volatile region known as AR13664, which produced a powerful X8.7 flare.
By training AI on decades of solar observations, researchers taught it to detect patterns that traditional models often overlook. The system analyzed the evolution of solar flares, tracked the formation of CMEs, and even predicted the timing of geomagnetic storms hitting Earth.
The results were striking. The AI delivered highly accurate predictions for the 2024 events, significantly reducing the uncertainty that usually clouds solar weather forecasts. This advancement could mean earlier and more reliable warnings, giving us time to protect critical technologies — or simply step outside to catch an aurora display.
Beyond preventing disruptions, this leap in solar forecasting represents a deeper understanding of the Sun’s influence on our planet. As our reliance on space-based technology grows, tools like AI could be essential for navigating the volatile dynamics of our closest star.