Background
Space weather occurs every day, mostly with no harmful impacts. For example, in May 2024, a series of powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections resulted in auroras being seen much further from the poles than usual, but this geomagnetic storm had minor effects in the UK. More extreme solar activity can cause severe space weather events, which can seriously negatively affect several types of critical national infrastructure. Impacts could potentially include regional electricity blackouts, disruption to satellite navigation and timing services, and some disruption to transport and telecommunications.
The government has listed severe space weather as one of the highest priority natural hazards on the National Risk Register. In 2021, it published a UK Severe Space Weather Preparedness Strategy to boost the UK’s resilience to severe space weather events. The government monitors and forecasts space weather 24/7 through the Met Office’s Space Weather Operations Centre. A range of other parts of government have roles in preparedness for space weather impacts.
Scope
This study will examine the government’s work to increase the UK’s resilience to the risk of severe space weather. It will look at:
- the government’s understanding of the risks and interdependencies linked to severe space weather
- governance mechanisms to oversee preparedness
- the UK’s space weather observational and forecasting capability
- the government’s assurance over whether vulnerable sectors are prepared for a severe space weather event
NAO team
Director: Charles Nancarrow
Audit Manager: Rebecca Jones