In a significant leap for space weather research, Lancaster University has unveiled the UK’s first ground-based space weather monitor in over 40 years.
This state-of-the-art neutron monitor, installed at a Met Office site in Cornwall, represents a collaborative effort between Lancaster’s School of Engineering, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), and Mirion Technologies (Canberra UK) Ltd.
The design and development were spearheaded by Dr Michael Aspinall and his team, with rigorous testing conducted on the ChipIr beamline at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) ISIS neutron and muon source.
Commenting on the achievement, Aspinall said: “This project marks a major milestone for the UK in advancing our space weather monitoring capabilities – something crucial for safeguarding modern infrastructure and daily life.
“Bringing this neutron monitor online in collaboration with the Met Office and other international partners adopting our design strengthens global resilience to space weather risks by providing real-time data and new measurement capabilities.
“With our new design for an instrument that has not fundamentally changed in six decades, we’re not just building on the past – we’re setting new standards for the future of neutron monitoring.
“The NM-2023 monitor introduces innovations that improve efficiency, sustainability, and affordability, all the while delivering the critical data needed to better understand and mitigate the impacts of space weather.”
Understanding space weather
Space weather encompasses a range of environmental phenomena driven by solar activity. Emissions of solar energy and material directed towards Earth can induce changes in the electromagnetic and radiation environment in near-Earth space, the atmosphere, and at the surface.
Under normal solar activity levels, space weather’s impact is minimal. However, natural variations can lead to severe and extreme space weather events.
During such disturbances, the intensity of space weather phenomena can escalate dramatically, posing significant risks to human technology, including satellites, power grids, communications, navigation, and transport infrastructure.
Consequently, space weather is recognised as an environmental risk to critical hardware, infrastructure, and services that underpin our society and economy.
Enhancing global space weather monitoring networks
This newly developed neutron monitor joins an international consortium of approximately 45 similar sensors dedicated to continuously observing neutron variations at Earth’s surface.
These observations are crucial for assessing the impacts of space weather phenomena. The project also plans to deploy a smaller monitor at Lancaster University, further bolstering the UK’s monitoring capabilities.
Detecting Ground Level Enhancements
The primary function of the monitor is to detect sudden increases in neutron counts, known as Ground Level Enhancements (GLEs).
These GLEs occur during solar radiation storms, which are triggered by the acceleration of particles near the Sun.
By identifying these neutron spikes, the monitor enables the issuance of timely alerts and aids in validating existing forecasting models for solar radiation storms. Such storms have the potential to disrupt satellites and cause widespread power outages on Earth.
Met Office Space Weather Manager Simon Machin added: “The new UK-based neutron monitor will enhance global monitoring of space weather events and will be an important part of our ongoing space weather forecasting and validating service.
“While severe space weather events are rare, this increased capability and resilience will help scientists and industries to manage risks and mitigate impacts where possible.”
Funding and strategic alignment with national initiatives
The project received funding from the UK Science and Technologies Facilities Council under the Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk (SWIMMR) programme.
SWIMMR aims to enhance the UK’s capabilities in space weather monitoring and prediction through a series of targeted projects.
The installation of this neutron monitor coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC).
Over the past decade, MOSWOC has forecasted numerous space weather events, assisting key industries in managing the risks posed by solar activity.
Beyond operational forecasting, MOSWOC actively contributes to the international scientific community, advancing space weather sciences and developing global capabilities.
A recent Value Report estimated that the Met Office’s space weather capability could be worth £800m to the UK over the next decade.
As the Sun’s activity continues to influence our planet, the deployment of advanced space weather monitors like this neutron detector is essential for predicting and mitigating potential disruptions to our technology-dependent society.
