Researchers at Aberystwyth University are leading a new initiative to strengthen space weather forecasting by addressing one of the field’s most persistent gaps: limited understanding of the Sun’s outer atmosphere. The project, known as “CorMag: A magnetic model of the corona with upper boundary observational constraints,” focuses on improving how scientists model the Sun’s magnetic field, particularly in the corona. This region plays a critical role in driving solar activity but remains difficult to observe directly. More accurate modelling of this area is expected to enhance predictions of solar events that can interfere with satellites, communications systems and power infrastructure on Earth. The research is funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council and reflects a broader effort within the field to close critical knowledge gaps that have long limited predictive accuracy. What is space weather, and how does it impact us on Earth? Space weather refers to changing conditions in space driven primarily by the Sun’s activity. This includes phenomena such as solar flares, high-speed streams of charged particles, and coronal mass ejections – …