The Sun constantly releases a stream of charged particles called the solar wind, which shapes space weather and can disrupt satellites, communications, and power systems on Earth. Yet, current forecasting models are limited and often unreliable due to incomplete input data. This project aims to improve solar wind predictions by combining advanced observations with state-of-the-art models. We will explore three key questions: How do the properties of the solar wind vary depending on their origin on the Sun? How can we more precisely determine the characteristics of the solar wind close to the Sun? How can this improved understanding be used to enhance space weather models? Led by Dr. Stephan G. Heinemann at the University of Helsinki, the project includes a doctoral researcher and a team of national and international collaborators. Our goal is to advance solar wind forecasting and deepen our understanding of how the Sun affects near-Earth space.

2025

2029