StarTalk Radio Solar Storms & Super Hurricanes with Richard Spinrad
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Nov 19, 2024 
Richard Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, joins to discuss the science behind extreme weather and space storms. He explains how solar storms can influence Earth’s storm patterns, including the formation of super hurricanes. The conversation highlights cutting-edge weather satellites and the significance of international collaboration in climate data. Dive into the challenges posed by climate change on ocean dynamics and hurricane intensity, as well as innovative technologies like AI and drones revolutionizing weather forecasting.
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Hurricane Katrina and Earth System Prediction
- NOAA now understands the Earth as a full system, predicting hurricanes better by considering ocean and atmosphere.
- Hurricane Katrina's rapid intensification before hitting New Orleans exemplifies this, highlighting the need for comprehensive ocean data.
Improved Hurricane Prediction
- Hurricane prediction accuracy has improved significantly, as seen with a recent major storm.
- This improvement is attributed to better understanding and incorporating land moisture content into models.
Solar Storms and Their Impact
- The sun's coronal mass ejections (CMEs) impact navigation and power grids.
- NOAA tracks CMEs to provide advance warning, allowing for mitigation like rerouting aircraft.