Science Communication
I love talking to people about the space weather & solar phenomena.
I enjoy the challenge of questions from people who are interesting in learning more about our universe. I try and respond with data, humor, the curiosity of a kid who loves science. No question is too basic. Complicated questions are an opportunity for researching answers and explaining concepts so others can understand.
IMAGE CREDITS: NOAA
Bringing Space Weather Down to Earth
At The Sun Today, we believe that science isn’t something that should just live in textbooks or behind lab doors.
Science is everywhere, influencing what we do, how we live, and how we communicate. Space weather, specifically, is one of those invisible forces that impacts everything from our smartphones to satellites and power grids. But here’s the thing: space weather doesn’t have to be hard to understand. That’s where I come in.
I’m here to make space weather clear, relatable, and even a little fun to learn about. After all, the Sun affects us all, and understanding its impact is a huge part of staying prepared. Whether you’re curious about solar storms or just want to know how the Sun influences our daily lives, this is the place for you.
Why Space Weather Matters to You
Now, you might be thinking, “Space weather? Doesn’t sound like something that affects me.”
But think about it: everything from your GPS to the communication systems we depend on daily can be affected by solar flares or geomagnetic storms. And when those storms hit, they can cause serious disruptions. The Sun’s activity is far from just a cool science fact—it’s a real force that shapes how we live and interact with technology. Here’s why it matters:
Communication Systems
Solar storms can affect satellite communication, including GPS, which impacts everything from navigation systems to weather forecasts.
Technology
Power grids and high-tech systems are vulnerable to space weather. A powerful solar storm can even damage transformers and satellites, leading to outages and significant financial costs.
Safety
From polar flights to astronauts heading to the Moon or Mars, space weather poses a direct threat to the safety of both people and technology in space.
By communicating the science behind space weather, I aim to help you understand not just what happens, but why it matters—so you can be prepared when a solar event takes place.
IMAGE CREDITS: NASA
IMAGE CREDITS: 1. National Geographic, 2. The Weather Channel, 3. National Geographic
My Approach to Science Communication
I’ve always believed that science doesn’t need to be difficult or intimidating.
Space weather can sound complex, but it doesn’t need to be. My goal is to break down the complicated stuff into straightforward language so you don’t just understand it—you’ll actually enjoy learning about it.
Simplifying the Science
I take complex topics like solar wind, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms and explain them in a way that’s easy to follow. No jargon. Just the basics.
Connecting Science to Real Life
It’s important to show how space weather is tied to things that actually matter in your life. Whether it’s the possibility of communication disruptions or how space weather affects your daily tech, I make these connections clear.
Keeping It Fun
Science doesn’t have to be all serious and stiff. I’m all about making it enjoyable and approachable, with interactive tools, cool facts, and relatable examples.
Collaboration
Whether I’m working with scientists, tech experts, or educators, collaboration is key. Together, we work to ensure that space weather information gets into the hands of those who need it—clearly and effectively.
The Value of Space Weather Science
If you’re wondering, “Why should I care about space weather?”—the answer is simple: it affects all of us.
Space weather isn’t just a topic for scientists to debate in labs; it’s something that affects infrastructure, technology, and even our safety. And we’re just beginning to understand its potential impact. The more we learn, the more prepared we can be.
Space weather also plays a huge role in space exploration. As we venture further into space, especially with upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars, understanding the Sun and its influence on the solar system becomes more important than ever. But this isn’t just about space exploration; it’s about protecting the systems we rely on right here on Earth.
My Work: From Education to Public Outreach
Communicating to people ages 2 to 102!
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of audiences, from students and educators to families and travelers. Here are some examples of how I bring space weather to life for different groups:
Speaking with Families and Kids
I’ve had the opportunity to speak with families, especially those with young kids, about space weather. I make it fun by using engaging visuals and hands-on activities to explain things like solar flares and the aurora. It’s amazing to see the excitement in their eyes when they realize how much of their daily life is connected to the Sun.
Students
With students, my goal is to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the Sun and space weather. Whether it’s high school students getting their first look at the science of solar storms or college students preparing for careers in science, I provide clear, relatable explanations that help them see the real-world importance of space weather in today’s world.
Travelers on Science Trips
I’ve worked with groups of travelers on science-themed trips, such as those exploring the aurora in places like Iceland. It’s amazing to see people’s reactions when they learn about the space weather that causes the Northern Lights. I love explaining how solar activity leads to these stunning displays, turning what might just be a beautiful experience into an educational one.
Seniors in a Retirement Home
One of my favorite moments was working with seniors in a retirement community, teaching them about the 2017 solar eclipse and showing them what the Sun looks like using NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) technology. They were amazed at how dynamic and detailed the Sun’s activity is, and it was a joy to share that experience with them.
These interactions are what drive me. I’m passionate about sharing the science of space weather and helping people see just how connected we all are to the Sun’s activity. Whether it’s through educational content, public talks, or community engagement, my goal is to make space weather feel relevant and exciting for everyone.
“Partial eclipse glasses” — not for solar viewing, just fun fashion!
Why I Do It
Science is everywhere.
It shapes the technology we use, the environment we live in, and our very understanding of the universe.
And that’s why I’m passionate about making space weather science something everyone can understand and care about. When people understand space weather, they can respond better. They can prepare, innovate, and protect what matters.
Whether it’s through educational content, public outreach, or community engagement, I’m dedicated to making space weather understandable and engaging—because the more we know, the better we can handle the challenges space weather might throw our way.
Leveraging My Cross-Disciplinary Expertise
I combine astrophysics with technical skills to communicate space weather and heliophysics effectively.
What really sets me apart as a science communicator is my ability to combine astrophysics expertise with practical technical skills. This blend allows me to make complex scientific topics more understandable and impactful. My work spans multiple disciplines, and I leverage a variety of specialized skills to enhance how we communicate space weather and heliophysics.
I’m skilled in data science techniques, which enables me to analyze complex data and present it in ways that tell compelling, relatable stories. I can work on both front-end and back-end development, while collaborating closely with web developers to create interactive, user-friendly platforms that make space weather data more accessible and engaging. My goal is to make precise requests for innovations and improvements that meet the unique needs of heliophysics and science communication.
By combining modern technology with effective science communication, I ensure that critical space weather information reaches the people who need it most—helping them make informed decisions that have real-world impact.
IMAGE CREDIT: National Geographic
Want to Learn More?
Interested in space weather?
Have questions? Want to work together on a project?
Feel free to reach out—I’d love to talk about how space weather is shaping our future and what we can all do to be more prepared.