HOW CAN A SPACECRAFT HELP?
How ESA’s bold proposal would help predict incoming solar weather
1 The Sun
As the Sun rotates, a coronal mass ejection (CME) or solar flare can come into view.
2 L1
L1 sees solar weather at the same time as Earth, so doesn’t give the same advance warning.
3 Incoming particles
L5 could give us more accurate information on particles heading for Earth.
4 Advanced warning
Ships at L5 would see the Sun up to five days before it rotates into view of Earth.
5 L5
L5 is about 60° behind Earth. A probe here can judge the speed of solar ejections heading to Earth.