IBM and NASA Unveil AI Surya for Predicting Solar Weather, Mitigating $2.4T Economic Risks

IBM and NASA have unveiled Surya, an advanced AI model designed to analyze high-resolution solar observation data for predictive purposes regarding solar weather. This open-source model is now accessible on Hugging Face, offering a cutting-edge tool for researchers, technologists, and policymakers worldwide.

The growing reliance on interconnected technologies such as GPS, power grids, and telecommunications necessitates addressing the challenges posed by the sun’s dynamic activity. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can potentially disrupt satellite operations, navigation systems, and aviation safety.

According to risk analyses from Lloyd’s, a catastrophic solar storm could cause economic losses of up to $2.4 trillion over a five-year period, with an estimated cost of $17 billion from a single significant event. The introduction of Surya aims to mitigate these risks and ensure the continued functionality of our interconnected technologies.