Abuja: 23 UN member states, under the auspices of the Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), are actively exploring strategies, tools, and means to acquire accurate data for space weather monitoring and forecasting. This initiative is part of a 5-day workshop organized by UNOOSA and Nigeria through the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on the International Space Weather Initiative (ISWI).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop, held in Abuja, focused on space weather during a Moderate Solar Cycle 25. This period is characterized by moderate sunspot numbers, lesser solar flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which can lead to occasional geomagnetic storms. These storms have the potential to disrupt technological activities such as aviation communication, power grids, and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Ms. Sharafat Gadimova from UNOOSA, Austria, stated that developing capabilities in space weather is one of the many space activities supported by UNOOSA member states. Gadimova emphasized the importance of improving the collection and exchange of space weather data, along with developing forecasting methods to enhance accuracy, reliability, and interoperability. She also highlighted the need for a platform to identify user requirements and promote synergy between different communities addressing space weather impacts.
Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, noted that space weather is a global phenomenon requiring collective international action due to its impact on technological infrastructure in orbit. Representing the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Adepoju highlighted the need to address extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes affecting parts of Africa, and called for global experts to focus on the root causes of such phenomena.
Adepoju also pledged Nigeria’s commitment to spearheading activities aimed at improving weather conditions in Africa. He stressed the importance of developing tools to address the impacts of space weather, particularly for developing nations and the African continent, which are rapidly advancing in digital transformation.
Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Chairman of the local organizing committee for the workshop, explained that the ISWI is a program of international cooperation aimed at advancing space weather science through a combination of instruments for analysis. Rabiu noted that this cooperation is responsible for developing capacities in the scientific discipline of Sun-Earth relations on space weather in many countries.
Chief of Defence Space Administration, AVM Lanre Ibrahim, highlighted the strategic importance of understanding space weather for military operations. He noted that precision, reliability, and security of satellite communication, positioning, and surveillance systems are essential to military operations and could be compromised by adverse space weather conditions. Ibrahim emphasized that understanding space weather is not only a scientific necessity but also a strategic imperative for mission success and national resilience.