A University of Â鶹´«Ã½-led research network that helps scientists monitor space weather and cosmic rays has received a nearly $1 million award from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
The three-year, $922,511 continuing award will support the operation and maintenance of the Simpson Neutron Monitor Network, a global system of ground-based detectors that measure cosmic rays—high-energy particles that travel through space and constantly strike Earth’s atmosphere.
Led by UH Mānoa Chair and Professor Veronica Bindi and co-principal investigator Nikolay Nikonov, the project provides critical data used by researchers, space weather forecasters and industries that rely on sensitive technology.
Sun influence, space weather
Neutron monitors are ground-based particle detectors that measure secondary particles produced when cosmic rays and solar energetic particles interact with Earth¡¯²õ atmosphere. These measurements are essential for understanding how solar activity influences the heliosphere and the near-Earth radiation environment.
At ground level, cosmic rays are not hazardous because Earth¡¯²õ atmosphere and magnetic field provide substantial shielding. However, radiation exposure is significantly higher at aviation altitudes and in space, where the protective atmosphere is reduced. For this reason, neutron monitor data is used by space science researchers, space weather forecasters, aviation and satellite communities, and industries concerned with radiation effects on microelectronics.
“This award strengthens the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯²õ role in national space weather research and infrastructure,” Bindi said. “Neutron monitors provide a unique ground-based view of energetic particles from the Sun and from the galaxy. These data are critical for both fundamental heliophysics and practical space weather applications.”
The network¡¯²õ detectors collect continuous measurements of cosmic ray intensity from locations around the world. Researchers use the data to study solar storms, energetic particles released by the Sun and other phenomena occurring throughout the solar system. The project also supports specialized tools, including a Ground Level Enhancement Alert System that provides real-time notifications when unusually large solar particle events are detected.
The award supports research infrastructure that enables continuous, long-term measurements needed to understand solar modulation, detect major solar particle events and provide data to the international space weather community.
The award complements UH¡¯²õ broader space weather activities, including neutron monitor infrastructure in Â鶹´«Ã½ that helps fill an important observational gap in the Pacific region, and the development of space radiation monitoring and forecasting capabilities at UH Mānoa. Together, these efforts support a growing national need to better identify, characterize and mitigate space weather events that can affect infrastructure, society, aviation, satellites, space missions and government functions.
“This is an important step toward building a stronger space weather capability at UH,” Bindi said. “Our goal is to connect high-quality observations, advanced analysis and forecasting tools to support science, education and operational awareness.”
The network honors John A. “Jack” Simpson, a pioneer of cosmic ray research whose neutron monitor design became a foundation for long-term space weather observations worldwide.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is housed in UH Mānoa¡¯²õ .