The models use different techniques and may be physics based, use empirical relations or assume persistence of conditions measured by satellites in other solar system locations or from the previous solar rotation. The reason for providing multiple models is that each has its own characteristics and caveats and may work better or worse depending on current space weather conditions. A simplified, low-resolution, overview of the model results is presented here to aid comparison and help assess the range of forecasts over the next few days.

The presentation displays a +/-3 day window centred on the current time (T UTC). The current in-situ (L1) solar wind speed data is shown as a reference in the T-3 day to T-0 portion of the plot and can be useful for assessing the recent performance of the forecasts. The plot is updated every hour whether or not the underlying model data have changed. A dotted vertical line marks the current time and a dotted horizontal line at 500 km/s provides a guideline for the high speed stream threshold.

Provider: The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)/Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) Space