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Solar Wind Data
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1 min read
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Briefly Editorial Team

Solar Wind Data

TL;DR

  • •NOAA changes solar wind data collection protocol
  • •New Solar-1 probe replaces DSCOVR

Why it matters

Changes in solar wind data collection will impact geomagnetic storm forecasting

Technical Details

NOAA announced that it is changing the protocol for collecting and publishing operational data on solar wind parameters. This will affect the work of all global space weather tracking centers, as NOAA data is their primary and sometimes only source of information on solar activity.

Background

Previously, the primary source of solar wind data was the DSCOVR probe launched in 2015. However, on July 15, 2025, a fatal failure occurred, which could not be resolved by rebooting, and this probe was essentially lost for work.

Industry Impact

The new Solar-1 probe will replace DSCOVR and become the primary source of solar wind data. This change will impact geomagnetic storm forecasting and the work of space weather centers.