January 18, 2027 @ 8:00 pm - Prof Sean Elvidge – Sunny, With A Mild Chance Of Catastrophe

We often think of the Sun as a constant, life-giving presence, but in reality, it has a volatile side that can cause real disruption here on Earth. In this talk, Professor Sean Elvidge explores the hidden world of space weather: how solar flares and geomagnetic storms, often invisible to us, can affect everything from satellite navigation and aviation to power grids and radio communications. Drawing on his work developing the forecasting engine behind the UK’s operational space weather models, Prof. Elvidge reveals how scientists are working to turn unpredictable solar outbursts into manageable risks. As our reliance on space-based and GPS-enabled technologies grows, so too does our vulnerability to the Sun’s moods. “Sunny, with a mild chance of catastrophe” uncovers the science behind these solar threats, the likelihood of extreme events and shows how better forecasting could help keep modern life ticking, even when the skies above are anything but calm.