An Education and Public Outreach Program for Space Weather Activities and Effects on Human Life
- Paper number
IAC-06-E1.3.07
- Author
Dr. Isabelle Scholl, International Space University (ISU), France
- Coauthor
Mr. Morten Hansen, International Space University (ISU), France
- Coauthor
Mr. Vladimir Ivkovic, Institute for Anthropological Research (Zagreb, Croatia) & International Space University , Croatia
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Earth-based and space-based technologies are very susceptible to any kind of magnetic activities. As society becomes increasingly dependent on space-based infrastructure, space weather effects could have severe and global impacts on our daily life. Space weather can seriously disrupt radio communications and power supply, having cascading effects that negatively impact public safety, information services, industrial processes, transport, etc. There is much to be learned about space weather before its risks can be mitigated. Unfortunately, the general public is not sufficiently aware of the risks and impacts related to space weather conditions. The public’s lack of knowledge and subsequent weak public support, leads to a lack in the government funding needed to complete space weather research. As was demonstrated during the October and November 2003 series of major solar eruptions, also known as the Halloween event, the number of hits per day on related websites increased after public media announcements were made. This shows that the public would be more involved, but is aware only after receiving media coverage. This paper will present an outreach program that includes both media and education channels for increasing public interest and attracting private support. This initiative is part of a group project completed by a team of International Space University Master students to handle the issues related to space weather.
- Abstract document