New UK space weather monitor enhances solar storm protection

Lancaster University developed and built the space weather monitor, which is the first in the UK for 40 years.

The ground-based neutron monitor is a new improved design created by Dr Michael Aspinall and a team from Lancaster’s School of Engineering, in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Mirion Technologies (Canberra UK) Ltd. It was tested on the ChipIr beamline at STFC’s ISIS neutron and muon source.

The new monitor joins an international network of around 45 similar sensors that continually monitor changes in neutrons at the Earth’s surface to assess the influence of space weather. The project includes a smaller monitor that will be based at Lancaster University.

In a statement, principal investigator Michael Aspinall said: “This project marks a major milestone for the UK in advancing our space weather monitoring capabilities - something crucial for safeguarding modern infrastructure and daily life.

“Bringing this neutron monitor online in collaboration with the Met Office and other international partners adopting our design strengthens global resilience to space weather risks by providing real-time data and new measurement capabilities. With our new design for an instrument that has not fundamentally changed in six decades, we’re not just building on the past - we’re setting new standards for the future of neutron monitoring.