In a groundbreaking collaboration, NASA and IBM have unveiled Surya, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to transform how we anticipate and protect against solar storms. Built on nine years of data collected from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, Surya is poised to deliver early warnings of solar flares and eruptions up to two hours before they impact Earth. This innovation holds the promise of safeguarding critical technologies, including satellites, power grids, and communication networks, that are vulnerable to the unpredictable sun’s outbursts.

Solar storms—comprising solar flares and coronal mass ejections—release massive bursts of charged particles and magnetic energy capable of disrupting GPS systems, aviation, and electrical infrastructure on Earth. Traditionally, forecasting these intense solar events has been a challenge due to limited satellite data and the Sun’s complex behavior. Surya breaks new ground by deploying deep learning that continuously analyzes high-resolution solar imagery to both detect and predict solar activity with 16% greater accuracy than previous models.

The AI model’s design incorporates a novel architectural framework blending spectral block layers and transformer networks, enabling it to capture intricate solar features across different scales. By training on stable, long-duration data from solar observatories, Surya can generate high-resolution visual forecasts, showing where and when solar flares might occur. Such proactive insights provide vital lead time for satellite operators and power grid managers to implement protective measures and prevent potential disruptions.

The need for advanced solar storm prediction grows as we become ever more reliant on technology vulnerable to space weather. Surya not only enhances protection for astronauts and satellites but also plays a crucial role in the safety of terrestrial systems like power grids, whose failure during a powerful geomagnetic storm could lead to widespread blackouts akin to the 1989 Quebec incident. Moreover, accurate warnings can aid airlines in managing flight paths to avoid radiation spikes caused by solar activity.

Looking ahead, Surya represents a pivotal step toward integrating AI deeply into heliophysics, accelerating discoveries about our Sun’s behavior while safeguarding modern infrastructure. As solar cycle activity increases, innovations like Surya help ensure that humanity can better anticipate space weather threats, creating a safer environment for both Earth-based and spacefaring technologies.