Space Weather and Atmosphere team

The goal of the space weather and atmosphere team is to understand space weather and how it impacts critical infrastructures, including satellites and electrical power grids.

Our research informs government and the aerospace and insurance sectors, helping them mitigate the effects of severe space weather.

Team priorities

Our team’s work encompasses:

• research into three key space weather hazards
• polar experiments and computer modelling
• training PhD students
• participating in international programmes
• stakeholder and public engagement

Research

Our three major areas of research are:

Space radiation

We simulate and predict the natural hazard to satellites from changes in radiation levels in near-Earth space, and develop realistic worst-case scenarios.

Our research results are used to assess which satellite orbits are most at risk, to provide real-time radiation hazard forecasts for satellite operators, and to develop better mitigation guidelines.

Upper atmospheric heating

We measure, analyse, and simulate the short-term heating and upward expansion of the polar upper atmosphere due to electrical currents created by space weather. This process, known as Joule heating, is the largest uncertainty in predicting the orbit of satellites and space debris to avoid catastrophic collisions.

We also model changes in the upper atmosphere from the lower atmosphere, such as the long-term effect of increased levels of CO₂ and its impact on satellites and space debris.

These results help improve satellite collision avoidance measures and the long-term sustainability of satellite services.

Geomagnetically induced currents

We measure and analyse the space weather causes of unwanted geomagnetically induced currents in electrical power grids.

Our results are used to improve real-time GIC forecasting in the UK and New Zealand and develop mitigation plans for electrical power grid operators.

Polar experiments

Our Space Weather Observatory uses a range of instruments in Antarctica and beyond to measure space weather and its impacts. Continuous long-term operations allow us to capture data on the rarest and most damaging space weather events.

Our data is made available to thousands of researchers worldwide through seven international instrument networks.

Computer models

We have developed the BAS Radiation Belt Model (BAS-RBM) to simulate and predict the space radiation environment for satellites. The model is equivalent to a general circulation model in atmospheric science; and was developed in-house from first-principles knowledge of charged particle and electromagnetic wave processes.

We also have expertise in the use of open-source models of the whole or upper atmosphere to simulate the effects of space weather and climate change on these regions and the resulting effects on satellite drag.

Training

We train the next generation of scientists via NERC’s doctoral training partnerships (DTP), such as Cambridge University’s Earth System Science and Southampton University’s INSPIRE programme.

We also run short-term undergraduate student projects with the University of Cambridge.

International programmes

Collaboration is core to BAS. The Space Weather and Atmosphere team lead or participates in numerous international scientific endeavours, such as:

• we set scientific priorities as Chairperson and one of the principal investigator groups in the international SuperDARN radar network.
• we represent the UK on the advisory bodies of EISCAT AB and support UK users to access the EISCAT radar facility in Northern Scandinavia.
• we play a leading role in the International Association of Geophysics and Aeronomy (IAGA), and the VLF/ELF Remote Sensing of the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere (VERSIM). 

Stakeholder and public engagement

We advise government departments, such as the Cabinet Office, through our leadership of the Space Environment Impacts Expert Group (SEIEG).

We play an active role in STEM education for schools and the public.

1. Extreme Space Weather

   Concern at government level in the UK is such that severe space weather was added to the UK’s National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies.

   Read more of: Extreme Space Weather

   

2. Thermospheric Heating Modes and Effects on Satellites (THeMES)

   Using meteorological statistical techniques, THeMES aimed to improve satellite trajectory predictions and identify which orbital paths face the greatest risk from space weather disturbances.

   Read more of: Thermospheric Heating Modes and Effects on Satellites (THeMES)

   

3. Rad-Sat

   Rad-Sat is a NERC Highlight Topic that brings together a consortium of scientists from 5 different UK research groups, stakeholders from the space industry and a network of international collaborators.

   Read more of: Rad-Sat

   

4. SuperDARN

   The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) has been operating as an international co-operative organisation for over 25 years, and has proved to be one of the most successful tools for studying dynamical processes in the Earth’s magnetosphere, ionosphere, and neutral atmosphere.

   Read more of: SuperDARN

   

5. IMAGE Auroral Boundary Data

   The objective of this project was to investigate whether magnetic reconnection in the space environment has a characteristic scale in space and time by characterising statistically the spatial and temporal structure of the footprint of reconnection as observed in the Earth’s ionosphere.

   Read more of: IMAGE Auroral Boundary Data

   

6. The Global Electric Circuit

   Quantifying the Effect of the Upper Atmospheric Electric Potential on Lower Atmospheric Temperature and Pressure.

   Read more of: The Global Electric Circuit

   

7. Low Power Magnetometer (LPM) Network

   Access data from the Low Power Magnetometer (LPM) network

   Read more of: Low Power Magnetometer (LPM) Network

   

8. Arctic atmosphere and space weather research facilities

   The UK EISCAT support group (UKESG) is a collaboration between the British Antarctic Survey and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, funded via the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS).

   Read more of: Arctic atmosphere and space weather research facilities

   

9. Electron Acceleration in the Radiation Belts of Earth, Jupiter & Saturn

   This project explored the radiation belts of the Earth, Jupiter and Saturn to help set new research goals for future spacecraft missions to the planets and develop computer models that will be of direct use to the space insurance, satellite construction and satellite service industries.

   Read more of: Electron Acceleration in the Radiation Belts of Earth, Jupiter & Saturn

   

10. The effects of long-term changes in the Earth’s magnetic field

    The effects of long-term changes in the Earths magnetic field on the atmosphere understanding the past predicting the future.

    Read more of: The effects of long-term changes in the Earth’s magnetic field

    

11. A High-Order Model of the Earth’s External and Induced Magnetic Field

    For centuries people have used magnetic compasses to guide them on their way and explore new territories. This has led scientists to embark on their own journeys of discovery about […]

    Read more of: A High-Order Model of the Earth’s External and Induced Magnetic Field

    

12. Measuring space weather for climate models

    The objective of QEPPA is to work out the amount of charged particles that hit our atmosphere during space weather events in order to improve how our models represent this effect on our atmosphere and climate.

    Read more of: Measuring space weather for climate models

    

13. SPACESTORM

    SPACESTORM is a collaborative project to model space weather events and find ways to mitigate their effects on satellites.

    Read more of: SPACESTORM

    

14. Whole Atmosphere Climate Change

    Whole Atmosphere Climate Change project investigated how human-driven climate change in the lower atmosphere affects upper atmosphere conditions up to 500 km altitude.

    Read more of: Whole Atmosphere Climate Change

    

15. Space Weather Impact on Ground-based Systems (SWIGS)

    SWIGS investigated how space weather drives geomagnetically induced currents in power grids, pipelines, and railways.

    Read more of: Space Weather Impact on Ground-based Systems (SWIGS)

    

16. Decoding Ionospheric Dynamics

    DRIIVE researches how polar ionosphere changes affect satellite orbits, communications, and space weather forecasts.

    Read more of: Decoding Ionospheric Dynamics

    

17. Sat Risk

    The Sat-Risk project, led by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), has the goal of ‘developing a real-time system to forecast radiation exposure to satellites for a range of different orbits, and quantify the risk of damage or degradation‘.

    Read more of: Sat Risk

    

18. Simulating how space weather events threaten satellites

    In the SORBS project we are studying how changes in the outer boundary of the geomagnetic field lead to rapid changes in the radiation belts closer to Earth.

    Read more of: Simulating how space weather events threaten satellites

    

19. Radiation Belt Data Assimilation (Radbelt-DA)

    RADBELT-DA applies data assimilation techniques to improve radiation belt forecasts to protect satellites from space weather damage and service disruption.

    Read more of: Radiation Belt Data Assimilation (Radbelt-DA)

    

20. PlanetBelt3

    PlanetBelt3 will be looking at the radiation belts of Saturn in this project, to include important newly recognised transport processes.

    Read more of: PlanetBelt3

    

21. ‘Sounds of Space’

    Sounds of Space uses a Very Low Frequency receiver to pick up radio waves made by our planet and investigate the science of space weather storms, to help understand potential  space weather impacts on the climate system, and for lightning detection.

    Read more of: ‘Sounds of Space’

    

22. Atmospheric warming impacts on satellite debris

    Joule Heating investigated how space weather affects the upper atmosphere’s ability to slow down orbiting satellite debris.

    Read more of: Atmospheric warming impacts on satellite debris

    

23. Space weather risk modelling

    SWIMMR-T generated accurate and actionable nowcasts and forecasts of the thermosphere to reduced uncertainty estimates of the orbital characteristics of satellites and debris.

    Read more of: Space weather risk modelling

    

24. Space Weather Service Network (SWESNET)

    SWESNET from British Antarctic Survey provides a forecast of high energy electrons in the Earth’s radiation belts which can cause damage to satellites on orbit. These forecasts are used by satellite operators to take mitigating action.

    Read more of: Space Weather Service Network (SWESNET)

    

25. Electromagnetic wave effects on radiation belts

    PADIE (Pitch-Angle Diffusion of Ions and Electrons) is a computational model developed at BAS that calculates how electromagnetic waves affect charged particles in radiation belts.

    Read more of: Electromagnetic wave effects on radiation belts

    

26. Tracing electromagnetic waves

    HOTRAY is a ray tracing computer code designed to trace the path of electromagnetic waves in a hot magnetised plasma. HOTRAY has been used to understand the generation and propagation of plasma waves at the Earth, Jupiter, Saturn and laboratory plasmas.

    Read more of: Tracing electromagnetic waves

    

27. BAS-RBM

    BAS-RBM simulates changes in the high-energy electrons trapped around Earth to help protect satellites, improve forecasting of space weather, and understand radiation belts at Jupiter and Saturn.

    Read more of: BAS-RBM

    

1. Dr Nigel Meredith awarded 2025 Chapman Medal for plasma wave research

   The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has awarded the 2025 Chapman Medal to Dr Nigel Meredith for his world leading and transformative research on plasma waves in magnetospheric physics.

   Read more of: Dr Nigel Meredith awarded 2025 Chapman Medal for plasma wave research

   

2. Sounds of Antarctica come to life in new album

   Today marks the release of The Seventh Continent, a new album from the international Sounds of Space Project that offers a unique aural journey to Antarctica.

   Read more of: Sounds of Antarctica come to life in new album

   

3. Rocket launch discovers long-sought global electric field on Earth

   An international team of scientists, including a researcher from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has, for the first time, successfully measured a planet-wide electric field thought to be as fundamental to Earth as its gravity and magnetic fields.

   Read more of: Rocket launch discovers long-sought global electric field on Earth

   

4. Scientists set out benchmarks for extreme space weather

   Extreme space weather threatens vital satellites orbiting the Earth, including the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) which pass through the heart of the outer radiation belt. New research led by […]

   Read more of: Scientists set out benchmarks for extreme space weather

   

5. Geomagnetic storm sounds inspire new album

   A new album inspired by the sounds of radio waves produced by a geomagnetic storm has been released. St Swithin’s Day Storm is a collaboration with Steven Anderson, known as […]

   Read more of: Geomagnetic storm sounds inspire new album

   

6. ‘Sounds’ of the sun inspire an extraordinary new album  

   A new album transporting listeners on a journey to the Sun and inspired by ‘sounds’ captured in space and on the ground shows the magic created when science and the […]

   Read more of: ‘Sounds’ of the sun inspire an extraordinary new album  

   

7. Climate change to increase lifetime of space pollution

   Satellites face greater chances of collision with space debris as a result of reduced density in the upper atmosphere. Increasing levels of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere will result in […]

   Read more of: Climate change to increase lifetime of space pollution

   

8. Antarctica as testing site ahead of mission to icy moons

   Scientists have deployed a network of seismometers onto Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf in an experiment that will test the instrument’s ability to operate on icy moons in the Solar System. […]

   Read more of: Antarctica as testing site ahead of mission to icy moons

   

9. BAS scientist awarded Gold Medal by Royal Astronomical Society

   The Royal Astronomical Society has awarded the 2022 Gold Medal for Geophysics to Professor Richard B Horne for his outstanding contributions to our understanding of the physics underlying space weather. […]

   Read more of: BAS scientist awarded Gold Medal by Royal Astronomical Society

   

10. Grant to understand future impacts on atmospheric prediction

    A new project to improve scientists understanding of the impact of space weather and climate change on the atmosphere starts this month (January 2022). A team from British Antarctic Survey, […]

    Read more of: Grant to understand future impacts on atmospheric prediction

    

11. Antarctica experiences rare total solar eclipse

    A rare total solar eclipse in Antarctica this weekend (Saturday 4 December) is giving researchers a unique opportunity to learn more about how solar eclipses affect space weather. The next […]

    Read more of: Antarctica experiences rare total solar eclipse

    

12. Mystery of what causes Jupiter’s X-ray auroras is solved

    The 40-year-old mystery of what causes Jupiter’s X-ray auroras has been solved. For the first time, scientists have seen the entire mechanism at work – and it could be a […]

    Read more of: Mystery of what causes Jupiter’s X-ray auroras is solved

    

13. ‘Sounds of space’ feature in album Celestial Incantations

    Celestial Incantations – New album release from Sounds of Space Project New album Celestial Incantations is released today by the international Sounds of Space Project, comprising of Dr Nigel Meredith […]

    Read more of: ‘Sounds of space’ feature in album Celestial Incantations

    

14. BAS staff recognised with Royal Society Fellowships

    We are delighted to announce that today (6 May 2021) Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey, and Professor Richard Horne, Head of Space Weather and Atmosphere team, […]

    Read more of: BAS staff recognised with Royal Society Fellowships

    

15. Medal win for space weather scientist

    The award recognises Professor Horne’s unique ability to combine basic and applied research to develop useful space weather products.

    Read more of: Medal win for space weather scientist

    

16. Space weather monitoring receives funding boost

    Space weather research at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) receives a funding boost of around £2M today (Saturday 27 June) from the SWIMMR (Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk) programme. […]

    Read more of: Space weather monitoring receives funding boost

    

17. New album Aurora Musicalis brings the ‘sounds of space’ to the public

    A new album with the unique ‘sounds of space’ recorded from Antarctica is released free today (6 May 2020). Aurora Musicalis contains the natural radio ‘sounds’ of our planet, recorded […]

    Read more of: New album Aurora Musicalis brings the ‘sounds of space’ to the public

    

18. Appleton Prize awarded to Professor Richard Horne

    British Antarctic Survey is pleased to announce the Appleton Prize 2020 has been awarded to Professor Richard Horne, Head of the Space Weather and Atmosphere science team at British Antarctic […]

    Read more of: Appleton Prize awarded to Professor Richard Horne

    

19. Space weather ‘super storms’ occurred every 25 years

    A ‘great’ space weather super-storm large enough to cause significant disruption to our electronic and networked systems occurred on average once in every 25 years. The results are published today […]

    Read more of: Space weather ‘super storms’ occurred every 25 years

    

20. Space weather study wins accolade

    A team of international researchers, including Professor Richard Horne from British Antarctic Survey, has been awarded best research study from the journal Risk Analysis for 2019. The study, led by […]

    Read more of: Space weather study wins accolade

    

21. Funding boost for space weather research

    Space weather research gets a  boost this week with a £20m fund announced by the UK  Prime Minister. Space weather, such as flares or winds from the Sun’s surface or […]

    Read more of: Funding boost for space weather research

    

22. Space weather causes radiation damage to satellites

    The use of electric propulsion for raising satellites into geostationary orbit can result in significant solar cell degradation according to a new study. The extended journey results in greater exposure […]

    Read more of: Space weather causes radiation damage to satellites

    

23. Scientist awarded prestigious award

    British Antarctic Survey space weather scientist, Dr Mark Clilverd, has been awarded a prestigious award from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) in their 2019 Awards. The award recognises Mark as […]

    Read more of: Scientist awarded prestigious award

    

24. ‘Sounds of Space’ from Antarctica feature in space simulation game

    Amazing, natural, ‘sounds of space’, have been incorporated into the new exploration gameplay in Elite Dangerous

    Read more of: ‘Sounds of Space’ from Antarctica feature in space simulation game

    

25. A new way to create Saturn’s radiation belts

    A team of international scientists from BAS, University of Iowa and GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences has discovered a new method to explain how radiation belts are formed around […]

    Read more of: A new way to create Saturn’s radiation belts

    

26. Satellites more at risk from fast solar wind than a major space storm

    Satellites are more likely to be at risk from high-speed solar wind than a major geomagnetic storm according to a new UK-US study published this week in the Journal Space […]

    Read more of: Satellites more at risk from fast solar wind than a major space storm

    

27. Million fold increase in the power of waves near Jupiter’s moon Ganymede

    Understanding of how Jupiter’s magnetic field interacts with its moons and with intense particle radiation.

    Read more of: Million fold increase in the power of waves near Jupiter’s moon Ganymede

    

28. Most advanced space weather radar to be built in Arctic

    The most advanced space weather radar in the world is to be built in the Arctic by an international partnership including the UK, thanks to new investment, including in the […]

    Read more of: Most advanced space weather radar to be built in Arctic

    

29. New study reveals potential cost of solar storms

    The daily U.S. economic cost from solar storm-induced electricity blackouts could total more than $40 billion, with more than half the loss occurring outside the blackout zone, says new study. […]

    Read more of: New study reveals potential cost of solar storms

    

30. Royal Astronomical Society honours BAS scientist

    Dr Mervyn Freeman, Senior Space Weather Researcher at British Antarctic Survey, has been awarded the prestigious Chapman Medal in Geophysics by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). The medal recognises his […]

    Read more of: Royal Astronomical Society honours BAS scientist

    

31. FEATURED PAPER: Energetic Electron Hazard

    Energetic electrons are an important space weather hazard. In this paper we apply extreme value analysis to 16 years of operational satellite data from the NOAA Polar Operational Environmental Satellites […]

    Read more of: FEATURED PAPER: Energetic Electron Hazard

    

32. PRESS RELEASE: New season – ambitious science

    New season tackles ambitious science and logistical challenges The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) 2015/16 field season is underway with dozens of scientists and support staff – together with planes and tonnes […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New season – ambitious science

    

33. NEWS STORY: Space weather features at free event

    FREE event: ‘Discover Antarctica’ at British Geological Survey Open Day, Saturday 27 June, 10am-4pm Staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will showcase its work at this year’s British Geological Survey […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Space weather features at free event

    

34. NEWS STORY: NERC placement offered

    NERC Research Experience Placement 2015 A Research Experience Placement supported by EnvEast DTP and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is available at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) this […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: NERC placement offered

    

35. NEWS STORY: Lessons from electrons

    Study of electrons in space could help weather forecasting Researchers have discovered a formerly undetected impact of space weather on the polar atmosphere, which may explain some previously unexplained variations […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Lessons from electrons

    

36. NEWS STORY: Changes in upper atmosphere

    Earth’s magnetic field is important for climate change at high altitudes New research, published this week, has provided scientists with greater insight into the climatic changes happening in the upper […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Changes in upper atmosphere

    

37. NEWS STORY: Improving space weather forecasting

    Space weather forecasting system used by satellite operators Weather forecasting is a tricky enough job on Earth, but doing it for the outer atmosphere and beyond is even more problematic. […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Improving space weather forecasting

    

38. NEWS STORY: BAS involved in NASA mission

    British Antarctic Survey scientists involved in NASA ‘space weather’ mission WASHINGTON — NASA’s Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), the first twin-spacecraft mission designed to explore the Earth’s radiation belts, launched […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: BAS involved in NASA mission

    

39. PRESS RELEASE: Space weather forecasting

    Major EU-funded space weather initiative launched and managed in UK A major EU-funded initiative to improve ‘space weather’ forecasting will hold its inaugural meeting in the UK on Tuesday 29 […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Space weather forecasting

    

40. PRESS RELEASE: New research sheds light on Aurora

    New space research settles years of scientific debate New space research published this week (Thursday 21 October) in the journal Nature, has settled decades of scientific debate. Researchers from the […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New research sheds light on Aurora

    

1. Read, read, read and new ideas will come to you

   We speak to a British Antarctic Survey Scientist on becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society… Professor Richard Horne FRS is the former Head of Space Weather at the British […]

   Read more of: Read, read, read and new ideas will come to you

   

2. ANTARCTIC BLOG: BBC arrives at Halley #3

   “I feel like I’m home” says BBC weather forecaster Peter Gibbs as he sets foot on the Brunt Ice Shelf. It’s an emotional moment for him; the last time he […]

   Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: BBC arrives at Halley #3