This is just one way that NSF NCAR’s research works to protect livelihoods and the tech that we rely on daily, from the grid to GPS and more.
Learn more about our vital solar and space weather studies: ncar.ucar.edu/where-we-foc...
For decades, our researchers have worked to further our understanding of the Sun's complex+chaotic magnetic fields, which can spawn disruptive solar storms. Scientists are improving forecasting these storms farther in advance while also deepening our understanding of solar physics more broadly.
From chasing eclipses to improving space weather forecasts and everything in between, NSF NCAR is committed to producing valuable solar and space weather research to benefit both the scientific community and society at large. 🧵
When wildfires start & spread, first responders need accurate+detailed predictions to make critical safety decisions. Our scientists built state-of-the-art, hi-res behavior models that connect the wildfire conditions & current weather to help responders keep communities safe. https://bit.ly/4rhQqbn
The high-resolution simulations in the MESACLIP dataset include such features as snow cover on land and sea surface temperatures in the oceans. Photo credit: NCAR.
A team of scientists from @tamu.bsky.social and NCAR (@ncar-ucar.bsky.social) has created an unprecedented set of high-resolution Earth system simulations that is freely available to the scientific community.
Learn more about the MESACLIP project: https://bit.ly/4rBK9bg
Buds begin to bloom, snow slowly melts; it’s the beginning of meteorological spring! March marks the shift from meteorological winter into spring, covering March, April & May. Meteorological seasons follow temperature trends & weather patterns instead of astronomical movements. 📊: @noaa.gov !
Space may seem far away, but space weather can have big impacts on our technology-dependent lives here on Earth. 🛰️ Check out this sneak peek of next week’s NSF NCAR Explorer Series that will discuss this fascinating and important topic. Learn more: https://edec.ucar.edu/events/space-debris
A promotional flyer for a seminar hosted by NSF and NCAR. It features a satellite in space. The text reads: "Keeping space safe: Understanding the impacts of space weather on satellite orbits." The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM MT at the NSF NCAR Mesa Laboratory, Boulder, CO. A QR code and headshot of the speaker, Nick Pedatella, are included.
To prevent collisions of satellites and other "space junk," we need to predict the weather in space, just like we predict the weather on Earth. Join the NSF NCAR Explorer Series (virtually or in-person) to learn more about how researchers do that: https://edec.ucar.edu/events/space-debris
Three images of the Sun showing magnetic vectors produced by PINNBARDS.
NSF NCAR and @swri.org researchers have created an AI-enabled forecasting tool that is a first step toward forecasting space weather weeks in advance, instead of just hours. Learn more: https://news.ucar.edu/133059/new-research-takes-first-step-toward-advance-warnings-space-weather
Hillside wildfire with flames and smoke near residential area with several houses. Photo credit: FEMA
Our researchers have compiled the first nationwide inventory of emissions from structure fires in the wildland-urban interface. The inventory lays the groundwork for communities to be more prepared for and resilient to the impacts of smoke. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rOBgeu
The NSF NCAR Dropsonde program was established in 1965! Initially released over storm cells in Colorado, dropsondes are now a key component of meteorological forecasting & research, dropped into storms to share data with researchers.
https://www.archives.ucar.edu/exhibits/ncar-timeline
A photo of a snowplow plowing a snowy highway with two lanes of cars behind it. Text in the top left corner says "Innovations in Road Weather Science. Feb 19"
Final reminder for our February 19th virtual teacher professional development session "Innovations in Road Weather Science!"
Hosted by NSTA, this session dives into how scientists use weather data, modeling, and emerging technologies to better understand road conditions and improve traffic safety.
Mark your calendars for an in-person Explorer Series event at Bambei Brewing on February 17th. Come listen to Dr. Brittany Welch talk about how NSF NCAR research can keep cars, trucks, and drones safe in hazardous weather. No registration required. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4kmIt2V
A high-resolution simulation illustrating ocean currents with vibrant colors. The warm currents are depicted in red and orange, centrally concentrated along the equator, while cooler currents appear in blue and green. Continents, including North America, South America, Africa, Eurasia, and Australia, are visible.
We’ve got a new dataset that’s hi-res and research ready: MESACLIP. Researchers used two supercomputers to create the MESACLIP dataset which features the Earth system in unprecedented detail, including snow cover and sea surface temperatures. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rBK9bg
Person in a red parka stands beside the South Pole marker, holding up a finger. There are reflective sunglasses, and various flags, including the United Kingdom and Norway flags, are in the background. The landscape is snowy and bright.
A small utility vehicle is pulling a sled with the SCARGO instrument across a snowy field. In the background, a U.S. Air Force ski plane is parked, featuring visible markings and propellers. Buildings are visible in the distance against a cloudy sky.
A view inside a military aircraft showing a large, heavy-duty case with a laptop open on top, displaying a digital interface. The interior is equipped with numerous seats and cargo secured with red netting. Various equipment and bags are visible around the space.
A large propeller airplane is flying over a snowy landscape with a backdrop of tall, majestic mountains.
NSF NCAR researchers will go to the ends of the Earth to collect data. The SCARGO project is wraps up this week, but for the last couple of months, the SCARGO instrument has been hitching a ride on flights to the South Pole to collect data on the Southern Ocean. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4auVMLB
Temperature field across the globe produced by Artificial Intelligence Global Forecast System. Shows all the continents and oceans on a spectrum of blue to red representing cold to hot.
📢 AI-driven global weather prediction model output is now available in NSF Unidata!
We're pleased to announce AI-driven global weather prediction model output in NSF Unidata datastreams thanks to a partnership with NOAA and NWS.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/45HHDYt
Join UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi at a town hall meeting this afternoon at #AMS2026 to discuss the threats facing NSF NCAR.
https://bit.ly/3NNXHS5
Join us at #AMS2026 to learn about one of NSF NCAR’s signature initiatives, the Convergence Science Program. We're bringing together the community to overcome barriers and advance what is possible for convergence and translational science for our community. https://bit.ly/4k5b24J
To our Boulder friends: The NSF NCAR Mesa Lab is closed to the public today, Monday, Jan. 26, due to a power outage.
Weather nerds unite! 👊🦸♀️⚡️ We're so thrilled to be in Houston for #AMS2026. We hope you'll swing by our booth during the Exhibit Hall Opening Reception tonight and say hi! We can't wait to see you.
Check out our events and presentations:
https://bit.ly/4a9S0Xn
A graphic displays the text "three yeas after I.M. Pei was chosen as architect, ground is officially broken at the Mesa Lab site."
In 1964 under the shadow of the Flatirons, ground was broken on Table Mesa for the Mesa Lab site! The NSF NCAR Archives meticulously restored and housed the video reel of the groundbreaking silent film, which can be viewed on YouTube!
https://www.archives.ucar.edu/exhibits/ncar-timeline
Are you familiar with the NSF NCAR Explorer Series? 🤔 The series brings world-class research to students, educators, and the public through free presentations, videos, and participatory science initiatives. Check out this recap from last year and stay tuned for details about 2026 events!
Satellite image of Hunga Tonga explosion.
Cover for the Hunga Volcanic Eruption report.
Four years ago, the underwater Hunga Tonga volcano 🌋erupted causing an explosive event that could be seen from space. Our researchers were among 159 scientists from 21 countries who published a report looking at the eruption’s far-reaching effects. Check out the report: https://bit.ly/4qUIaOW
To learn more about the Winter Icing & Storms Project (WISP): opensky.ucar.edu/islandora/ob...
For decades, our researchers have worked to make winter flights safe ✈️❄️ In the ‘90s, the Winter Icing & Storms Project gathered data on supercooled liquid water by flying planes into storms. Now, researchers have created a “Snow Machine,” for testing deicing fluids year-round https://bit.ly/49uCvba
The NCAR timeline graphic includes the text: "1962: The High Altitude Observatory becomes part of NCAR, followed by a solar eclipse expedition to New Guinea."
In 1962, the merger between the High Altitude Observatory & UCAR was officially completed & it became part of NCAR. Later that year in with Sacramento Peak Observatory, HAO was deployed to New Guinea to observe the solar eclipse.
https://www.archives.ucar.edu/exhibits/ncar-timeline
A plane on a snowy runway. Photograph provided courtesy of Denver International Airport.
🎉 We signed up for another 5 yrs of working w/ @DENAirport to keep travelers safe when winter wx threatens their plans. ❄️ ✈️
Our researchers have developed advanced 💻 models and AI techniques to forecast snow and ice at specific points on runways.
https://bit.ly/3YyQEig
📸 Courtesy DIA
A rendering of the Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer (CMEx). Produced with AI.
A rendering of the Solar Transition Region UltraViolet Explorer (STRUVE). Produced with AI.
What's better than 1 mission into space? 2! 🛰️ 🛰️
NASA has announced that our CMEx small explorer and our STRUVE cubesat missions can advance. Both missions will give us an unprecedented view of the Sun's mysterious chromosphere.
https://bit.ly/3ME5amj
https://bit.ly/4iYbFwt
#Boulder friends: Our Mesa Lab will be closed to the public tomorrow, Dec. 17, in advance of an expected power shutoff related to extreme wind and high fire danger. For updates, visit www.ucar.edu/alerts. Stay safe out there neighbors!
Geoscience Data Exchange Logo
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Though we don't mean the holidays 🎄 🎁. We mean @agu.org!
Come by and say 👋🏾 at our booth in the Exhibit Hall. Our 1st Science Showcase kicks off at 3 ET with info about the GDEX. Get more info on this and all our presentations at AGU: https://bit.ly/48W4IYa
