IBM and NASA have introduced Surya, the most advanced open-source foundation model to date designed to analyze high-resolution solar observation data and forecast the impact of solar activity on Earth and space-based technologies. Named after the Sanskrit word for “Sun,” Surya applies cutting-edge AI to interpret complex solar imagery, enabling earlier and more accurate predictions of space weather events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Such events can severely disrupt GPS systems, satellite operations, telecommunications, aviation, and even national power grids. As modern life becomes increasingly reliant on space-based infrastructure, the need for robust solar forecasting has grown urgent – a hypothetical solar storm, according to Lloyd’s, could cause up to $2.4 trillion in global economic losses over five years.
Also Read: Hesai Unveils Next-Gen Lidar for L3 Driving at IAA Mobility 2025
“Think of this as a weather forecast for space,” said Juan Bernabe-Moreno, Director of IBM Research Europe, UK and Ireland, emphasizing the critical role of preparedness. Kevin Murphy, NASA’s chief science data officer, added, “By developing a foundation model trained on NASA’s heliophysics data, we’re making it easier to analyze the complexities of the Sun’s behavior with unprecedented speed and precision. This model empowers broader understanding of how solar activity impacts critical systems and technologies that we all rely on here on Earth.”