Space weather studies the physical conditions of the space environment influenced by the Sun's activity and its effects on Earth, technology, and human health. Solar-induced events, such as flares, coronal mass ejections, and high-speed solar wind, can alter Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere, potentially impacting radio communications, satellite navigation, Earth observation, power distribution, and transportation.
INGV carries out Space Weather monitoring and surveillance activities through a network of geomagnetic observatories e ionospheric which allow you to follow in real time the evolution of space conditions circumterrestrial. Observational data is processed in real time and used to monitor geospatial conditions and support the development of observation and forecasting products.
In the ionospheric field, the INGV continuously monitors the conditions of the atmospheric layer that reflects and modifies the propagation of radio waves and satellite signals. These activities allow us to evaluate the reliability of high-frequency (HF) radio communications and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. The Institute also performs measurements of the ionospheric scintillation in various regions of the world, including the Arctic area of Svalbard, South America and the Mediterranean, contributing to the understanding of the phenomena that can degrade the quality of satellite signals.
In the field of geomagnetism, the INGV manages a network of geomagnetic observatories that includes three national observatories located in Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, and two observatories in Antarctica, dedicated to continuously recording variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Geomagnetic disturbances associated with solar activity provide crucial information for assessing the effects of space weather. Rapid variations in the magnetic field can affect numerous technological infrastructures, including transmission lines and power plants, rail transport, and oil and gas pipelines.
The Space Weather surveillance activities conducted by the INGV support scientific research and contribute to operational services for various strategic sectors. Operational applications in the Space Weather field include support for civil aviation. The INGV participates, in collaboration with ENAC, in the European consortium PECASUS, designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as one of the international centers responsible for providing information and warnings on the risks associated with space weather to air navigation.
