Space Weather Facts & Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com Join amateur space weather enthusiast Isaac Bredeman for the current space weather conditions, a forecast for the next few days and beyond, and to learn details about fascinating space weather phenomena. This podcast is released on the third Saturday of every month. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:57:41 -0700 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en-ca ca © 2022 Space Weather Facts & Forecast Science:Astronomy 1440 episodic Isaac Bredeman Isaac Bredeman No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14469071/6861a7550229613e3387373f20ad829ba4bc5767dd8eb92e70a0abe304d4e657.jpeg Space Weather Facts & Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com 144 144 Technological Impacts of Space Weather - What's at Risk, and What Can Be Done? Technological Impacts of Space Weather - What's at Risk, and What Can Be Done? https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/technological-impacts-of-space-weather-whats-at-risk-and-what-can-be-done/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/technological-impacts-of-space-weather-whats-at-risk-and-what-can-be-done/#comments Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:57:41 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e03b63e0-b4b5-3b55-8bd7-b9ccd59e3b76 Solar storms have a range of potentially disrupting effects on satellites, radio communications, and the power grid. While harm almost never comes from the average geomagnetic storm, it is important for companies to prepare in the event that an extreme storm brings risks of power blackouts or satellite loss. What is truly at risk, and how do we prepare when a storm is on its way? Tune in to find out! Also catch this week's space weather forecast, as we wait patiently watching the sun!

]]> Solar storms have a range of potentially disrupting effects on satellites, radio communications, and the power grid. While harm almost never comes from the average geomagnetic storm, it is important for companies to prepare in the event that an extreme storm brings risks of power blackouts or satellite loss. What is truly at risk, and how do we prepare when a storm is on its way? Tune in to find out! Also catch this week's space weather forecast, as we wait patiently watching the sun!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 789 27 full Why are There More Auroras at the Equinoxes? Why are There More Auroras at the Equinoxes? https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/why-are-there-more-auroras-at-the-equinoxes/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/why-are-there-more-auroras-at-the-equinoxes/#comments Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:12:22 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/fb589be5-2a77-3077-b1ba-383db4bfbb96 It's been known for over a century that auroral storms are stronger and more frequent around the spring and fall equinoxes. Why is this the case? In this episode I dig into the dynamics of the Russell-McPherron effect, a explanation for this variation proposed in 1973. And in the process, you just might learn a little more about the Bz and why it's so critical to aurora chasers! You'll also find this week's space weather forecast, as we wait for an incoming CME with a chance for Kp 7 storms!

]]> It's been known for over a century that auroral storms are stronger and more frequent around the spring and fall equinoxes. Why is this the case? In this episode I dig into the dynamics of the Russell-McPherron effect, a explanation for this variation proposed in 1973. And in the process, you just might learn a little more about the Bz and why it's so critical to aurora chasers! You'll also find this week's space weather forecast, as we wait for an incoming CME with a chance for Kp 7 storms!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 617 26 full How to Observe Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas: When and Where to Head Out How to Observe Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas: When and Where to Head Out https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-to-observe-comet-tsuchinshan-atlas-when-and-where-to-head-out/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-to-observe-comet-tsuchinshan-atlas-when-and-where-to-head-out/#comments Sat, 28 Sep 2024 20:21:25 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/06480f85-b311-33ff-93eb-de7223b109ac Last month I talked about a potential bright comet coming, and now it's here! In this episode I give the information you need to find it. Catch its morning show if you're lucky, or wait for the main event in October. I also provide this week's space weather forecast, as we watch and wait for solar flares!

Live comet tracking updates: https://theskylive.com/c2023a3-info

]]> Last month I talked about a potential bright comet coming, and now it's here! In this episode I give the information you need to find it. Catch its morning show if you're lucky, or wait for the main event in October. I also provide this week's space weather forecast, as we watch and wait for solar flares!

Live comet tracking updates: https://theskylive.com/c2023a3-info

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 628 25 full How to See the Next Bright Comet (Maybe), and How Space Weather Affects Comets How to See the Next Bright Comet (Maybe), and How Space Weather Affects Comets https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-to-see-the-next-bright-comet-maybe-and-how-space-weather-affects-comets/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-to-see-the-next-bright-comet-maybe-and-how-space-weather-affects-comets/#comments Sat, 17 Aug 2024 18:33:39 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/d087d720-ec47-3ec6-b674-b4364e1d4266 This fall, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is predicted to be visible to the naked eye, and some think it could be a truly bright spectacle. In this show, I give an overview of how to look for the comet in September and October. I also describe how space weather is responsible for many of a comet's classic features! Visit theskylive.com/c2023a3-info for up-to-date info on the comet's brightness and location, so you can point your own telescope at it.

]]> This fall, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is predicted to be visible to the naked eye, and some think it could be a truly bright spectacle. In this show, I give an overview of how to look for the comet in September and October. I also describe how space weather is responsible for many of a comet's classic features! Visit theskylive.com/c2023a3-info for up-to-date info on the comet's brightness and location, so you can point your own telescope at it.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 774 24 full The Strongest Storm in a Generation: May 2024 vs. Halloween 2003 The Strongest Storm in a Generation: May 2024 vs. Halloween 2003 https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/the-strongest-storm-in-a-generation-may-2024-vs-halloween-2003/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/the-strongest-storm-in-a-generation-may-2024-vs-halloween-2003/#comments Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:41:29 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/c2fdaa19-4fd9-3c27-b8b1-6eef5e03c38f On May 10, we experienced one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in the last 25 years. In this episode, I summarise the key points of this article by Christian Harris, to see how the storm stacks up against the other main contender this century. https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/news/view/544/20240517-let-s-compare-halloween-2003-vs-may-2024-solar-storms.html

]]> On May 10, we experienced one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in the last 25 years. In this episode, I summarise the key points of this article by Christian Harris, to see how the storm stacks up against the other main contender this century. https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/news/view/544/20240517-let-s-compare-halloween-2003-vs-may-2024-solar-storms.html

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 588 23 full Parker Solar Probe: A Mission to Touch the Sun Parker Solar Probe: A Mission to Touch the Sun https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/parker-solar-probe-a-mission-to-touch-the-sun/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/parker-solar-probe-a-mission-to-touch-the-sun/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:38:41 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/0d334c49-f3fa-3b68-b281-8dacc82e9c0b This month on the podcast, I talk about a special mission that was launched to study the sun and space weather. It's called the Parker Solar Probe, and it continues to send back fascinating data from inside the solar corona. Listen to learn all about it! I also give next week's space weather forecast.

To learn more about the Parker Solar Probe and view it in 3D: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/

]]> This month on the podcast, I talk about a special mission that was launched to study the sun and space weather. It's called the Parker Solar Probe, and it continues to send back fascinating data from inside the solar corona. Listen to learn all about it! I also give next week's space weather forecast.

To learn more about the Parker Solar Probe and view it in 3D: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 777 22 full How to Chase the Aurora: What Data to Look for Before You Head Out How to Chase the Aurora: What Data to Look for Before You Head Out https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-to-chase-the-aurora-what-data-to-look-for-before-you-head-out/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-to-chase-the-aurora-what-data-to-look-for-before-you-head-out/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2024 16:18:19 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/52d73250-1191-3a22-bc16-8bf934fd1baf In this episode I break down by latitude what Kp and other data to watch for when going aurora chasing in the Northern Hemisphere. It can seem an endless sea of confusing data values relating to the aurora, but you can quickly learn what to look for to decide whether the aurora might be visible from your location. spaceweatherlive.com is a great site to check with all the info you need in a user-friendly view.

]]> In this episode I break down by latitude what Kp and other data to watch for when going aurora chasing in the Northern Hemisphere. It can seem an endless sea of confusing data values relating to the aurora, but you can quickly learn what to look for to decide whether the aurora might be visible from your location. spaceweatherlive.com is a great site to check with all the info you need in a user-friendly view.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 629 21 full Where is the Edge of the Solar System? Plus the Space Weather Forecast Where is the Edge of the Solar System? Plus the Space Weather Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/where-is-the-edge-of-the-solar-system-plus-the-space-weather-forecast/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/where-is-the-edge-of-the-solar-system-plus-the-space-weather-forecast/#comments Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:03:07 -0800 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/ae148d64-5b6c-3894-b412-66fcab9e6831 The solar system is huge, and it turns out that defining where it ends is tricky! Depending on the definition we use, we can come up with wildly different estimates for its size. Listen to the show for an exploration of this fascinating topic! You'll also hear next week's space weather forecast, with some farside sunspots to keep an eye on.

]]> The solar system is huge, and it turns out that defining where it ends is tricky! Depending on the definition we use, we can come up with wildly different estimates for its size. Listen to the show for an exploration of this fascinating topic! You'll also hear next week's space weather forecast, with some farside sunspots to keep an eye on.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 615 20 full Poles, Poles, and More Poles! How Does the Earth's Magnetic Field Work? Poles, Poles, and More Poles! How Does the Earth's Magnetic Field Work? https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/poles-poles-and-more-poles-how-does-the-earths-magnetic-field-work/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/poles-poles-and-more-poles-how-does-the-earths-magnetic-field-work/#comments Sat, 20 Jan 2024 17:19:13 -0800 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/2db0cec9-eb1b-31df-b5bd-ba4b062878da Today, I give an overview of the Earth's magnetic field. How is it formed and what does it do? Listen to find out! I also give the space weather forecast, in which the Sun may finally be waking from a long sleep!

]]> Today, I give an overview of the Earth's magnetic field. How is it formed and what does it do? Listen to find out! I also give the space weather forecast, in which the Sun may finally be waking from a long sleep!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 681 19 full How Does the Sun Burn? How Does the Sun Burn? https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-does-the-sun-burn/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/how-does-the-sun-burn/#comments Sat, 18 Nov 2023 15:55:42 -0800 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/9e6c6000-b125-329f-8e0d-34ecbeca3d9f The sun clearly produces enormous amounts of light and heat, which sustain life on our planet. How does it do this? Is it a big ball of fire in space? I answer that and more in this episode. Additionally, I give the space weather forecast, with a chance for activity this weekend and next week.

]]> The sun clearly produces enormous amounts of light and heat, which sustain life on our planet. How does it do this? Is it a big ball of fire in space? I answer that and more in this episode. Additionally, I give the space weather forecast, with a chance for activity this weekend and next week.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 530 18 full Space Weather and Solar Eclipses - How Are They Related? Space Weather and Solar Eclipses - How Are They Related? https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/space-weather-and-solar-eclipses-how-are-they-related/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/space-weather-and-solar-eclipses-how-are-they-related/#comments Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:19:11 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/a650c2c2-0214-3100-86f2-0ca8461daaf4 On October 14, the annular solar eclipse I described in the last episode came and went. Hopefully you got to see it! Now, I'll be describing how solar eclipses affect space weather, and how they've been used to learn more about the sun. Also, I include the space weather forecast. The sun is surprisingly quiet this week!

]]> On October 14, the annular solar eclipse I described in the last episode came and went. Hopefully you got to see it! Now, I'll be describing how solar eclipses affect space weather, and how they've been used to learn more about the sun. Also, I include the space weather forecast. The sun is surprisingly quiet this week!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 366 17 full Solar Eclipses - What They Are, and How to See the Next Two Solar Eclipses - What They Are, and How to See the Next Two https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/solar-eclipses-what-they-are-and-how-to-see-the-next-two/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/solar-eclipses-what-they-are-and-how-to-see-the-next-two/#comments Sat, 16 Sep 2023 16:14:17 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/b86de1a6-70e1-39dc-9e5d-1daf72b4c56b In this show, learn what solar eclipses are and how to see two amazing upcoming ones! Here are the links to the useful pages I mention:

October 14, 2023: timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2023-october-14

April 8, 2024: timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2024-april-8

Eclipse day weather: eclipsophile.com

]]> In this show, learn what solar eclipses are and how to see two amazing upcoming ones! Here are the links to the useful pages I mention:

October 14, 2023: timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2023-october-14

April 8, 2024: timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2024-april-8

Eclipse day weather: eclipsophile.com

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 593 16 full What is the Solar Radio Flux? And a Quiet Solar Forecast What is the Solar Radio Flux? And a Quiet Solar Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/what-is-the-solar-radio-flux-and-a-quiet-solar-forecast/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/what-is-the-solar-radio-flux-and-a-quiet-solar-forecast/#comments Sat, 19 Aug 2023 16:05:30 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/b2d16249-f299-38cc-9738-aa4bee03c211 The solar radio flux is an important value in space weather monitoring and helps gauge solar cycle strength. It also impacts HF radio. What is it? I explain in the show. Also, I give the space weather forecast, which is surprisingly quiet!

]]> The solar radio flux is an important value in space weather monitoring and helps gauge solar cycle strength. It also impacts HF radio. What is it? I explain in the show. Also, I give the space weather forecast, which is surprisingly quiet!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 436 15 full A Brief History of Space Weather Observation - And Important Podcast Updates! A Brief History of Space Weather Observation - And Important Podcast Updates! https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/a-brief-history-of-space-weather-observation-and-important-podcast-updates/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/a-brief-history-of-space-weather-observation-and-important-podcast-updates/#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2023 20:39:19 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/3eeab973-7960-37a0-9b21-c83abdb3db9b Today, I'm diving into a short history of space weather observation and forecasting, from the 19th century to the present day.

Enjoy learning about space weather and keeping up to date on space weather news? Check out my new blog at https://space-weather-blog.blogspot.com/ !

The podcast release schedule is changing! Due to conflicting summer plans, shows will now come out on the third Saturday of the month.

]]> Today, I'm diving into a short history of space weather observation and forecasting, from the 19th century to the present day.

Enjoy learning about space weather and keeping up to date on space weather news? Check out my new blog at https://space-weather-blog.blogspot.com/ !

The podcast release schedule is changing! Due to conflicting summer plans, shows will now come out on the third Saturday of the month.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 562 14 full Supernovas! An Overview - Plus the Space Weather Forecast Supernovas! An Overview - Plus the Space Weather Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/supernovas-an-overview-plus-the-space-weather-forecast/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/supernovas-an-overview-plus-the-space-weather-forecast/#comments Sat, 10 Jun 2023 20:55:43 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/cc87ef12-9c32-338d-a6cc-45a44584a65a Supernovas are a hot topic right now in the world of astronomy, as a new one was just discovered in the Pinwheel Galaxy! Listen to find out all about supernovas, their potential effects on Earth, and even how to see the newest one! You'll also find the space weather forecast, with a pretty quiet outlook.

 

]]> Supernovas are a hot topic right now in the world of astronomy, as a new one was just discovered in the Pinwheel Galaxy! Listen to find out all about supernovas, their potential effects on Earth, and even how to see the newest one! You'll also find the space weather forecast, with a pretty quiet outlook.

 

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 535 13 full A Summary of Solar Radiation Storms A Summary of Solar Radiation Storms https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/a-summary-of-solar-radiation-storms/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/a-summary-of-solar-radiation-storms/#comments Sun, 14 May 2023 16:13:28 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/189e0822-f46b-3a1d-84ce-83a23784557a Solar radiation storms are yet another way space weather can impact humans and technology. How? All the answers are in the episode. I also include next week's space weather forecast, with a bit of a break from the constant activity we've had lately!

]]> Solar radiation storms are yet another way space weather can impact humans and technology. How? All the answers are in the episode. I also include next week's space weather forecast, with a bit of a break from the constant activity we've had lately!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 542 12 full STEVE - The Aurora’s Purple Companion! And a Break From Solar Storms STEVE - The Aurora’s Purple Companion! And a Break From Solar Storms https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/steve-the-aurora-s-purple-companion-and-a-break-from-solar-storms/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/steve-the-aurora-s-purple-companion-and-a-break-from-solar-storms/#comments Sat, 08 Apr 2023 17:13:24 -0700 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/faab77d5-f8bc-33f7-b6ac-2d177652b406 Sometimes, not only the aurora glows in the night sky. STEVE is a phenomenon only discovered in 2016 that can also be found lighting up the upper atmosphere. What is it and how can you see it? Listen to find out! Included is next week's solar forecast, with the sun taking a break from major activity.

]]> Sometimes, not only the aurora glows in the night sky. STEVE is a phenomenon only discovered in 2016 that can also be found lighting up the upper atmosphere. What is it and how can you see it? Listen to find out! Included is next week's solar forecast, with the sun taking a break from major activity.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 471 11 full An Intro to Solar Filaments and Prominences - And the Space Weather Forecast An Intro to Solar Filaments and Prominences - And the Space Weather Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/an-intro-to-solar-filaments-and-prominences-and-the-space-weather-forecast/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/an-intro-to-solar-filaments-and-prominences-and-the-space-weather-forecast/#comments Sat, 11 Mar 2023 15:39:50 -0800 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/20035345-c28b-38e9-bfc1-a46115b7c9fa In this episode I take a look at two solar phenomena that are really the same thing with different names: filaments and prominences. Want to learn what they are or how they impact Earth? Listen to find out! There is also the space weather forecast, with filaments creating the main activity.

]]> In this episode I take a look at two solar phenomena that are really the same thing with different names: filaments and prominences. Want to learn what they are or how they impact Earth? Listen to find out! There is also the space weather forecast, with filaments creating the main activity.

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 408 10 full An Update on Solar Cycle 25 Progress - And the Accompanying Space Weather Forecast An Update on Solar Cycle 25 Progress - And the Accompanying Space Weather Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/an-update-on-solar-cycle-25-progress-and-the-accompanying-space-weather-forecast/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/an-update-on-solar-cycle-25-progress-and-the-accompanying-space-weather-forecast/#comments Sat, 11 Feb 2023 15:24:34 -0800 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/127e63cf-1392-318c-9d6e-5342a3496563 In this episode, I take a look at our solar cycle, cycle 25, and how it's progressing. One thing is for sure, predicting solar cycle strength is no easy task! Some material is taken from this article on SpaceWeatherLive by Christian Harris: https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/news/view/486/20230208-an-expansion-on-solar-cycle-prediction.html

]]> In this episode, I take a look at our solar cycle, cycle 25, and how it's progressing. One thing is for sure, predicting solar cycle strength is no easy task! Some material is taken from this article on SpaceWeatherLive by Christian Harris: https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/news/view/486/20230208-an-expansion-on-solar-cycle-prediction.html

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 470 9 full What are Radio Blackouts? And the Active Space Weather Forecast What are Radio Blackouts? And the Active Space Weather Forecast https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/what-are-radio-blackouts-and-the-active-space-weather-forecast/ https://spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e/what-are-radio-blackouts-and-the-active-space-weather-forecast/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2023 12:57:49 -0800 spaceweatherfactsforecast.podbean.com/e0d4bb56-4e2e-3b5b-b5df-ef68db9e6a9e In this episode I cover radio blackouts: what they are, how they're connected to solar flares, why they matter, and more. I also give the space weather forecast, with many big flare players for an active start to the new year!

]]> In this episode I cover radio blackouts: what they are, how they're connected to solar flares, why they matter, and more. I also give the space weather forecast, with many big flare players for an active start to the new year!

]]> Isaac Bredeman false No 477 8 full