๐ Professional Space Weather Observatory
This is a cutting-edge, NASA-grade space weather monitoring and analysis platform featuring real-time 3D visualization, scientific data integration, and professional forecasting capabilities.
๐ฏ Key Features
- Real-time 3D Solar System: Accurate orbital mechanics with Sun, Earth, and Moon
- NASA API Integration: Live data from DONKI, NOAA SWPC, and ACE spacecraft
- Scientific Physics Models: CME propagation, Kp index calculation, Dst prediction
- Professional Aurora Monitoring: 5-level intensity classification system
- Interactive Particle Physics: Solar wind and CME simulation with magnetosphere interaction
- Scientific Data Export: NASA-compatible JSON format with full metadata
- 24-hour Forecasting: Geomagnetic storm and aurora visibility predictions
๐ก Pro Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts for rapid operation: C (CME), A (Analyze), F (Forecast), N (NASA Sync), R (Aurora), E (Export), Space (Reset View)
๐๏ธ Mission Control Interface
๐ Simulate CME Event
Creates a realistic Coronal Mass Ejection with physics-based particle simulation. CME particles are directed toward Earth and interact with the magnetosphere to create aurora effects.
Keyboard Shortcut: C
๐ Analyze Conditions
Performs comprehensive space weather analysis using current solar wind parameters, magnetic field data, and scientific models to calculate Kp index, activity levels, and risks.
Keyboard Shortcut: A
๐ฎ Generate Forecast
Creates a 24-hour geomagnetic forecast based on current conditions, CME arrivals, and statistical models. Includes aurora visibility predictions and radio impact assessments.
Keyboard Shortcut: F
๐ก Sync NASA Data
Downloads real-time data from NASA DONKI (space weather events), NOAA SWPC (solar wind), and ACE spacecraft (magnetic field). Updates every 5 minutes automatically.
Keyboard Shortcut: N
๐ Aurora Monitor
Professional 5-level aurora intensity monitoring system: QUIET โ MINOR โ MODERATE โ ACTIVE โ SEVERE. Color-coded button indicates current auroral activity level.
Keyboard Shortcut: R
๐พ Export Analysis
Exports comprehensive scientific data in NASA-compatible JSON format including metadata, current conditions, predictions, and scientific references.
Keyboard Shortcut: E
๐ก Data Sources & Integration
๐ฐ๏ธ NASA DONKI API
Database Of Notifications, Knowledge, Information for space weather events:
- CME Events: Coronal Mass Ejections with speed, direction, and arrival predictions
- Solar Flares: X-ray flare classification and intensity measurements
- Geomagnetic Storms: Kp index values and storm classifications
- Solar Energetic Particles: High-energy particle events
๐ฌ๏ธ NOAA SWPC Real-time Data
Space Weather Prediction Center live measurements:
- Solar Wind Speed: Velocity measurements from ACE spacecraft (km/s)
- Particle Density: Proton density in solar wind (particles/cmยณ)
- Magnetic Field: Interplanetary magnetic field components (nT)
- Dynamic Pressure: Solar wind ram pressure (nPa)
๐งฎ Scientific Models
- Drag-Based Model (DBM): CME propagation and arrival time calculation
- Burton et al. (1975): Dst index prediction from solar wind parameters
- Newell et al. (2007): Kp index coupling function
- Holzworth & Meng (1975): Auroral oval latitude calculation
โ ๏ธ Data Limitations: Real-time data may have delays of 1-5 minutes. During API outages, the system uses scientifically realistic simulated data.
๐ Scientific Analysis Methods
๐ช๏ธ Kp Index Calculation
The planetary geomagnetic index is calculated using the empirical coupling function:
VBs = v ร |Bz| ร โ(n)
Kp = f(VBs^(2/3))
Where v = solar wind speed, Bz = magnetic field z-component, n = particle density
๐งฒ Dst Index Prediction
Ring current disturbance storm time index using Burton model:
Ey = v ร |Bz| ร 10โปยณ
Injection Rate = -4.4 ร (Ey - 0.49)
Dst = -50 ร logโโ(P + 1) + Injection Rate
๐ Aurora Oval Calculation
Auroral boundary latitude based on Kp index:
Latitude = 67ยฐ - (2.5ยฐ ร Kp)
Width = 3ยฐ + (0.5ยฐ ร Kp)
โฐ CME Arrival Time
Drag-Based Model for CME propagation:
v(t) = vf + (vโ - vf) ร exp(-ฮณt)
ฮณ = 0.2ร10โปโถ ร vsw
Where vโ = initial CME speed, vf = final speed (solar wind), vsw = solar wind speed
๐ก Analysis Frequency: Scientific analysis runs every 30 seconds to update all parameters and maintain real-time accuracy.
๐ง Troubleshooting Guide
๐ Data Connection Issues
Problem: "API connection failed - using simulated data" message
- Check internet connection
- NASA API may be temporarily unavailable
- CORS restrictions in some browsers
- System automatically switches to realistic simulated data
๐ฎ Performance Issues
Problem: Slow 3D rendering or particle effects
- Reduce browser zoom level
- Close other browser tabs
- Update graphics drivers
- System automatically limits particle count for performance
๐ฑ Mobile/Tablet Display
Problem: HUD panels overlapping or too small
- Use landscape orientation
- Panels automatically resize for smaller screens
- Touch controls may be limited compared to mouse/keyboard
๐ Reset Options
- Camera Reset: Press Space key to return to default view
- Data Refresh: Click "Sync NASA Data" to reload all data
- Browser Refresh: F5 to restart entire application
โ ๏ธ Browser Compatibility: Requires WebGL support. Best performance in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Safari may have limited features.
๐ API Reference & Integration
๐ Data Export Format
Scientific data is exported in NASA-compatible JSON structure:
{
"metadata": {
"title": "Space Weather Observatory Analysis",
"version": "2.0.0",
"timestamp": "ISO-8601",
"source": "NASA DONKI, NOAA SWPC",
"coordinate_system": "GSE",
"units": { "speed": "km/s", "magnetic_field": "nT" }
},
"current_conditions": {
"kp_index": 2.3,
"solar_wind": { "speed": 450, "density": 5 },
"dst_index": -15,
"auroral_oval": { "latitude": 67.0, "intensity": 0.26 }
},
"predictions": {
"next_24h_kp": [...],
"cme_arrivals": [...],
"aurora_forecast": [...]
}
}
๐ API Endpoints Used
- NASA DONKI CME: https://api.nasa.gov/DONKI/CME
- NASA DONKI Flares: https://api.nasa.gov/DONKI/FLR
- NASA DONKI Storms: https://api.nasa.gov/DONKI/GST
- NOAA Solar Wind: https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-wind/ace-swepam.json
๐ NASA API Key Setup
To use your own NASA API key (recommended for production):
const NASA_API_KEY = 'your_api_key_here';
// Replace 'DEMO_KEY' in the source code
// Get free key at: https://api.nasa.gov/
๐ Integration Examples
Use exported data for:
- Automated space weather alerts
- Research data analysis
- Integration with other monitoring systems
- Historical trend analysis
- Custom visualization development
๐ก Rate Limits: NASA API allows 1000 requests/hour with free key. NOAA SWPC data updates every minute.