The White House has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, a move that threatens both climate science and our understanding of space weather. Russ Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, characterized NCAR as “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country” in a post on X on December 16. This decision is part of a broader agenda from the Trump administration aimed at reducing funding for climate research and removing scientific data from government platforms.
Founded over 60 years ago, NCAR plays a crucial role in studying Earth’s atmosphere, weather, and climate. Its research also extends to space weather, focusing on the Sun’s activity and its effects on Earth’s magnetosphere. This work is critical, as two upcoming NASA heliophysics missions rely heavily on NCAR’s research.
NASA Missions at Risk
Earlier this month, NASA advanced two heliophysics missions intended to enhance our understanding of solar phenomena. One of these missions, the Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer (CMEx), is led by NCAR scientist Holly Gilbert. CMEx aims to investigate the chromosphere, the reddish layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, to better understand solar eruptions and the origins of solar wind. “These mission concepts, if advanced to flight, will improve our ability to predict solar events that could harm satellites and mitigate danger to astronauts,” stated Asal Naseri, acting associate flight director for heliophysics at NASA Headquarters.
Another mission, the Solar Transition Region Ultraviolet Explorer (STRUVE), also spearheaded by NCAR, is expected to launch in 2029. This project will gather data on the Sun’s chromosphere and corona, focusing on the regions where the energy that fuels solar storms accumulates before release. According to Alfred de Wijn, principal investigator for STRUVE, understanding the magnetic field changes in the chromosphere is essential for predicting solar eruptions.
Future of NCAR Uncertain
As discussions about NCAR’s future unfold, the fate of these vital missions hangs in the balance. Vought’s comments suggested that other organizations might take over approved research activities, but specific details on how these decisions will be made remain unclear.
The importance of NCAR’s research is underscored by statements from Dara Norman, president of the American Astronomical Society (AAS). “Research conducted at NCAR informs our understanding of space weather hazards caused by solar storms and the atmospheric properties of other planets in and beyond our solar system,” she stated. Norman urged Congress to investigate the rationale behind the NSF’s decisions regarding NCAR.
In response to the proposed cuts, U.S. lawmakers have been advocating for legislation to reinstate funding for scientific research at NASA and other agencies. They face a deadline of January 30, 2024, to enact spending bills that could resolve this contentious issue.
The potential dismantling of NCAR raises significant concerns among scientists and researchers who depend on its data and expertise. The implications could extend well beyond climate studies, impacting our ability to predict and understand space weather events that play a critical role in modern technology and space exploration.
