Space weather is a branch of space physics and aeronomy, or heliophysics, concerned with the varying conditions within the Solar System and its heliosphere. This includes the effects of the solar wind, especially on the Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Though physically distinct, space weather is analogous to the terrestrial weather of Earth's atmosphere. The term "space weather" was first used in the 1950s and popularized in the 1990s. Later, it prompted research into "space climate", the large-scale and long-term patterns of space weather.
Aurora australis observed from Space Shuttle Discovery, May 1991
GOES-11 and GOES-12 monitored space weather conditions during the October 2003 solar activity
GOES-7 monitors space weather conditions during the October 1989 solar activity resulted in a Forbush Decrease, ground level enhancements, and many satellite anomalies.
Heliophysics is the physics of the Sun and its connection with the Solar System. NASA defines heliophysics as "(1) the comprehensive new term for the science of the Sun - Solar System Connection, (2) the exploration, discovery, and understanding of Earth's space environment, and (3) the system science that unites all of the linked phenomena in the region of the cosmos influenced by a star like our Sun."
The image represents wavelengths of light produced by the Sun.
Current and future Heliophysics System Observatory missions in their approximate regions of study.