Australia’s first dedicated space weather forecasting centre is calling Adelaide home

The country’s first dedicated space weather forecasting centre is now operating out of Adelaide, at a prestigious business and technology precinct in the CBD.

Australia’s first dedicated space weather forecasting service is calling Adelaide home, as the impacts of space are said to become more evident in every day life.

The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre is based at Lot Fourteen on North Terrace, alongside 80 other space industry agencies and businesses.

The centre will deliver 24/7 space weather capabilities including forecasts, warnings and alerts, real-time and historical observations, space weather training, high frequency radio advice, planning tools and technical support.

As dependence on satellites and telecommunications technology increases, the impacts of space weather are “likely to be more keenly felt in our daily lives”.

Lot Fourteen will be the site of the The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre.

Minsiter for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said improving the country’s understanding of space weather and the impacts on critical infrastructure is a priority for the government.

“Space weather can affect everything from GPS, surveillance and communications to aviation and energy supply. As we learn more about space weather, we will be better prepared to protect ourselves against disruptions and incidents,” she said.

“The dedicated space weather and technology experts collaborate with industry to devise, refine and deliver real time services to suit the needs of this growing industry.

“The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia’s trusted source of weather, climate and water knowledge. Now, it will also be our trusted source of space weather knowledge too.

The space weather capabilities will complement the Bureau’s other essential forecasting and warning services.

Resident Yahya Basman stands in front of a large tree blocking Glen St, Burnside. Picture: Evangeline Polymeneas

Following wild weather throughout the state this week, Adelaide will reach a high of 23 today, with a shower or two.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said the change is due to a cold front moving across the state from the west.

“It’s expected to reach Adelaide later this evening, but we should have a mostly sunny day ahead of that,” the spokesperson said.

The regions are also forecast to receive some wet weather, however temperatures are still forecast in the twenties with 29C in Port Augusta and 21C in Mt Gambier.