Call for Papers: AOSWA

The ionosphere and thermosphere (IT) constitute a highly complex and dynamic system strongly coupled to the magnetosphere. This system responds to changes in diverse geophysical parameters across varying timescales, often resulting in significant and unpredictable changes in IT variables. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the entire magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere (MIT) system is essential. This session is organized to promote analysis, observation, and modelling efforts aimed at advancing the understanding of dynamics and coupling within the MIT system. We invite submissions exploring dynamic interactions between the IT and magnetosphere, the solar wind's impact on IT dynamics, and the effects of geomagnetic storms on the ionosphere. Contributions utilizing ground-based and space-based observations, empirical and physics-based models, as well as machine-learning techniques, are highly encouraged.

Solar storms are more frequent during times near the maximum of the 11-year solar cycle. The sunspot number peaked in October 2024, and there have been major X-class solar flares every year since 2021. We welcome contributions and discussion about monitoring observations and numerical simulation modeling of solar activity and space radiation, and how they lead to space weather phenomena on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system. For example, this topic encompasses the ground-based and satellite observations of solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and space radiation; predictions of solar flares and long-term solar activity; modeling of acceleration and propagation of solar energetic particles (SEPs); solar effects on galactic cosmic-rays, high speed solar wind streams, and geomagnetic storms; magnetic reconnection and auroral activity; and the effects of flare-generated extreme ultraviolet and X-ray emissions on Earth’s ionosphere.

Space weather has become crucial in modern life since society depends more and more on communications and navigations system. In the past decades, several countries have been successfully working together to spread awareness and build international communities on space weather operations and policies. AOSWA (Asia-Oceania Space Weather Alliance) was established in 2010 for encouraging cooperation and sharing information among institutes in the Asia-Oceania region concerned with and interested in space weather. However, many countries in Asia-Oceania are still not actively involved in the space weather community even though some of these countries have ground-based observations. This session will focus on a discussion on how to connect the local space weather observation to the global network and highlight the needs of each country to build its space weather services. We welcome any presentations related to local space weather observation and activities.

Space weather has a significant impact on our daily lives by affecting satellites, power grids, aviation, and communication systems. The impact is more significant during the upcoming solar cycle 25 maximum in 2024-2025. Thus, space weather awareness is essential to empower the public with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the impact of space weather and developing strategies to mitigate their effects. This session is to discuss the public outreach that has been placed to raise awareness about space weather in the community. An interactive exhibition, hands-on activities or citizen science that engage the public in learning about space weather could be one of the methods. Any other method used to spread awareness of space weather effects to the public are welcomed and not limited to education. By teaming up with scientists, governments, and community groups to share knowledge and resources, could strengthen the outreach effort and reach a broader audience.

Severe space weather could affect various applications of human society, such as communication, positioning, satellite control as well as power grids. The availability of timely and accurate forecasts is critical to informing the users for associated planning, execution and decision-making. Reliable forecasting products will help protect against and mitigate the potentially damaging effects of space weather, minimize space weather risks and enhance resilience. Therefore, developing and improving forecasting and modeling techniques to accurately predict space weather characteristics and changes are important to the modern age. Utilizing different models or technologies such as data assimilation, artificial intelligence (AI) can improve forecasts accuracy. For numerical models, vertical coupling methodology to solve the problem of transportation at upper/lower boundary. By using the assimilation algorithm, that would advance the initial condition of model status to have better forecasts. Recently,(AI techniques ) have been widely tried to apply in space weather forecasting and modeling. Although space weather is the result of a complex series of physical processes, and some physical mechanisms have been still unrevealed, the input of solar activities and other relevant parameters into machine learning models can predict indicators and events in the space environment. In addition, AI offers new approaches that can be used to adaptively manage large amounts of space weather monitoring data as well as intelligent system integration of databases, models, and software. In this session, we would like to discuss evaluation and verification methods for operational forecasting and the publication of databases for benchmarking. We welcome a wide range of contributions to demonstrate recent development and improvement,, including numerical model and AI techniques that applied to space weather prediction models, intelligent integration of prediction models, image recognition and classification, data assimilation and transmission and database management.

This session invites users of operational space weather data to explore the activities of the Coordinated Group of Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), focusing on their ongoing initiatives to enhance data access for space weather services. The program will detail current progress and solicit participant feedback on critical areas, including user requirements for operational observations, the standardization of products and metadata, data latency, and delivery mechanisms, as well as user readiness for upcoming missions. Furthermore, the session aims to address R2O/O2R needs and ensure access to ground-based data, seeking a consensus on priority goals and pilot projects while welcoming presentations from users to highlight their data access experiences and suggestions for improvement.

The current solar cycle, Cycle 25, is already showing signs of exceeding the early predicted levels, with a maximum predicted around 2025. As solar activity escalates faster than expected, it heralds a new era of exploration and understanding of space weather phenomena, and challenges for modern technology. Research on space weather and the social utilization of its information are rapidly gaining momentum. This general session on space weather invites submissions on all topics related to space weather that are not suitable for other sessions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, observation techniques, campaign observations, model and application development, and domestic and international cooperation. We particularly welcome the participation of young researchers.

Space weather, the conditions in the space environment, poses significant challenges to modern technology and infrastructure on Earth. This session will delve into the impacts of space weather phenomena on various systems and explore strategies for effective mitigation. The session will commence with an overview of recent research findings on space weather events such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and geomagnetic storms, and their potential effects on satellites, communication networks, power grids, aviation, and other critical infrastructures. This session will share insights into how space weather disturbances have affected operations, safety, and reliability, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the session will focus on mitigation efforts undertaken by governments, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to minimize the adverse effects of space weather. This session will showcase innovative technologies, predictive models, and operational protocols designed to enhance resilience and preparedness against space weather hazards. In addition to addressing technical solutions, the session will also explore the importance of international collaboration and information sharing in mitigating the global impact of space weather. Speakers will discuss existing frameworks for international cooperation, identify areas for improvement, and propose strategies to foster greater collaboration among nations and organizations. Throughout the session, ample time will be allocated for interactive discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas, share best practices, and raise pertinent questions. This session aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of space weather challenges and foster collaboration towards effective mitigation strategies on a global scale.