Can scientists predict solar flares before they occur? If so how?
-K.R. ANSWER: Unfortunately not yet. This is a big challenge and one of the big goals in modern solar physics. The hope is that future instruments (both on ground and in space) will provide the necessary data to make reliable forecasts. Many scientists believe that the key will be to have reliable vector magnetic field measurements of active regions. My personal impression is that we’re about at the stage of weather forecasting 50 years ago – litte more than guesswork. Meteorology has come a long way since, so I’m optimistic that we eventually we’ll crack that problem, too. Dr.
