Cloudy with a Chance of Solar Flares: How Space Weather Affects Your Everyday LifeNational Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Free, Tickets Required
Although the Sun is over 90 million miles away, solar radiation and gas erupting from our Sun produce a myriad of issues in our technology-driven society. During solar flares, astronauts can't spacewalk, damaged power grids leave communities in the dark, radio blackouts hinder airlines, and GPS signals become inaccurate. Costs for a blackout of the Eastern seaboard range in the billions to trillions of dollars. In this Smithsonian's Stars lecture, Kelly Korreck from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will talk about the current understanding of space weather, how it affects you, and how scientists and the government are working to mitigate the perils.
Following the lecture:
Participate in hands-on activities and stargazing at the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory:
6:30 – 7:30 pm: Hands-on activities
7:30 – 9:30 pm: Stargazing (weather permitting)
Free tickets are required for the lecture and can be reserved below.
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.