Space weather might sound like a distant scientific curiosity, but major solar events can have very real consequences here on Earth, disrupting technologies and systems we rely on every day, from power networks, communications and navigation to aviation, satellites, and emergency management.

The consequences of these disruptions can be significant and, in some circumstances, life-threatening for the people and communities we work to support.

Across emergency management, public health, local government, social services and critical infrastructure, understanding these risks is becoming increasingly important.

What happens when the Sun has a bad day? And how prepared are we for the effects here on Earth?

As part of World Space Week, join us for a free-to-attend, fast-paced, and beginner-friendly introduction to space weather and why it matters here on Earth. 

Our expert panel will break down the science in plain language, explore real-world impacts, and answer your questions in an interactive discussion.

No prior space knowledge is required – just bring your curiosity.

Presenters

David Mitchell
Radio Astronomy Coordinator, Mount Burnett Observatory

David Mitchell has spent more than 30 years working in medical device engineering, with expertise spanning laser imaging, cryogenic systems, and the measurement and analysis of biological signals.

A highlight of his career was spending 16 months at an Antarctic research station, where he managed scientific instruments used to monitor the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere, gaining practical experience of the dynamics of space weather.

David is currently the Radio Astronomy Coordinator at Mount Burnett Observatory, a volunteer-operated facility formerly run by Monash University. The observatory hosts a diverse range of radio astronomy, cosmic ray, and space weather instruments.

Holding qualifications in Engineering, Human Factors, and Risk Management, David combines technical expertise with practical field experience to explore and explain the fascinating connections between the Sun, Earth, and the space weather.

Allison Kealy
Director Innovative Planet Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology

Professor Allison Kealy is the Director of the Innovative Planet Research Institute at Swinburne University and Interim CEO for the Secure, Hardened, integrity-Enhanced, Location and Timing Defence (SHIELD) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). Prior to this Allison was the Executive Director Surveying and Spatial within the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.

Allison has also held academic positions in Geodesy and Satellite Positioning at RMIT and Melbourne Universities and was Acting Chief Research Officer in the SmartSAT CRC and Deputy Director of RMIT’s Defence Research Centre. Allison is a Board Member of Quantum Asutralia, and a Fellow of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), and the Royal Institute of Navigation. 

Cassie Marshall
Space Weather Forecaster, Bureau of Meteorology

Cassie Marshall is a space weather forecaster at the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre, which is a part of the Bureau of Meteorology. Cassie has been in this role for four years and has experienced forecasting through a range of space weather conditions. Cassie has a background in mathematics, and applies her interest in statistics to analysing past events and forecasting future events.

Host

John Richardson
Executive Director, Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience

Webinar recording

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