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The Hong Kong Observatory launches today (23 February) an enhanced space weather webpage to include information on the impact of space weather on people's daily lives, as well as the latest warnings of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on adverse space weather so that precautionary measures can be taken in a timely manner.
"The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has recently included space weather in its work schedule. As a member of the WMO, it is necessary for the Observatory to enhance the knowledge of the public on this topic, which has gained attention in recent years, so that appropriate actions can be taken when an extreme space weather event occurs," the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Dr Lee Boon-ying, said.
Professor Chan Kwing-lam, an expert in solar physics from the Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, welcomed the webpage enhancement. "Hong Kong is located in the low latitudes and the impact of adverse space weather should be minimal. However, as the city has close ties with other parts of the world, any problems with the satellite systems would lead to telecommunications and navigation problems that may affect Hong Kong and even hamper aviation safety. Hence, the effects of space weather should not be taken lightly," he said.
The Observatory launched the space weather webpage in 2004 as part of its efforts in public education. Members of the public can browse the webpage at http://www.weather.gov.hk/education/edu05spacewx/ele_spwx_curwarn_e.htm.
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