Dr. Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti and Dr. Chip Manchester, of the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, were quoted in an article in Futurity with the headline “Solar sail probe could detect space tornadoes earlier.” | October 8, 2025
Tag: solar
We Need a Solar Sail Probe to Detect Space Tornadoes Earlier, More Accurately, U-M Researchers Say
Spirals of solar wind can spin off larger solar eruptions and disrupt Earth’s magnetic field, yet they are too difficult to detect with our current single-location warning system, according to a new study from the University of Michigan. But a constellation of spacecraft, including one that sails on sunlight, could help find the tornado-like features in time to protect equipment on Earth and in orbit.
“NASA’s Parker Probe Just Flew Through Solar Fire at 430,000 MPH”
The NASA Parker Solar Probe, a mission led by Principal Investigator Dr. Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space, was featured on SciTechDaily.com about completing its 23rd close encounter with the Sun. The probe was featured in the article “NASA’s Parker Probe Just Flew Through Solar Fire at 430,000 Continue Reading »
A Vision for Safer Space Exploration with the CLEAR Center
The CLEAR Center, a Space Weather Center of Excellence at the University of Michigan, works to improve forecasting of solar energetic particles that emerge from a solar eruption, with speeds nearly reaching the speed of light, which follow the spiral shape of the solar wind’s magnetic fields into interplanetary space.
Parker Solar Probe Makes Closest Approach to Sun in History
Putting another triumph and spectacle in sight for NASA and University of Michigan researchers, the Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the Sun on December 24, 2024.
“Parker Solar Probe: First Spacecraft to ‘Touch’ the Sun”
The NASA Parker Solar Probe, a mission led by Principal Investigator Dr. Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space, is making headlines in its mission to touch the Sun. The probe was featured on Space.com in the article “Parker Solar Probe: First spacecraft to ‘touch’ the sun.” | December 11,
Data Confirms the Sun’s Magnetic Field Accelerates Solar Wind
A new study led by University of Michigan researchers published in The Astrophysical Journal confirms the sun’s magnetic field accelerates solar wind as it relaxes.
“This is How Close NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will Fly by the Sun”
The Parker Solar Probe, a NASA Mission led by Dr. Justin Kasper at the University of Michigan, made headlines in the ABC News article “This is how close NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will fly by the sun.” | December 19, 2024
“Touching a Star; NASA Probe Set to Make Record-Setting Solar Approach!”
The NASA Parker Solar Probe, a mission led by Principal Investigator Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space, is making headlines in its “mission to touch the Sun.” The probe was featured in the article “Touching a star; NASA probe set to make record-setting solar approach!” by FOX
“NASA, NOAA: Sun Reaches Maximum Phase in 11-Year Solar Cycle”
Elsayed Talaat, director of space weather operations at NOAA and a U-M Climate and Space alumnus, was featured in “NASA, NOAA: Sun Reaches Maximum Phase in 11-Year Solar Cycle” for the NASA Newsroom. Representatives from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced that the Sun Continue Reading »