### U.S. Agencies Unveil Gaps in Solar Storm Preparedness Following Unique Exercise

In an unprecedented exercise conducted by the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) task force, several U.S. agencies evaluated their preparedness for a severe solar storm and identified significant weaknesses in forecasting space weather. The exercise, which took place on May 8-9, 2024, at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland and a FEMA site in Colorado, showcased the potential risks to critical systems on Earth and in space, such as power grids, GPS functionality, and satellite operations.

The exercise was divided into four modules, simulating a series of solar events causing widespread disruptions, including radio blackouts and heightened radiation exposure for astronauts. One key scenario projected participants into January and February 2028, imagining an active solar region posing threats while astronauts were partaking in the Artemis missions. This scenario prompted agencies to scrutinize their existing policies and protocols to handle such emergencies.

Coincidentally, a record-breaking geomagnetic storm hit Earth on May 10, 2024, further underscoring the reality of these potential threats. This G5, or extreme, geomagnetic storm emerged from coronal mass ejections, causing global auroras and impacting Earth's power grid and satellite performance due to increased atmospheric density.

The exercise and real-time events revealed the unpredictable nature of solar storms. Space weather forecasters like Shawn Dahl from the Space Weather Prediction Center emphasized the short-notice challenges in predicting a coronal mass ejection's impact. Effective assessment often occurs just 15 to 45 minutes before the event reaches Earth, leaving minimal response time.

To address these issues, the report advocates for the deployment of next-generation space weather satellites and additional sensors to better monitor space weather drivers. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration among U.S. agencies, international partners, and the private sector.

"Preparedness for space weather events is crucial," the report states, highlighting that such events could significantly impact national infrastructure and security. The report calls for proactive measures akin to those taken for other natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.

This exercise marks a critical step in understanding and mitigating the risks posed by solar storms, emphasizing the urgency of advancing forecasting capabilities and contingency planning.