IBM and NASA Collaborate to Launch Open-Source AI Model for Solar Weather Predictions

IBM and NASA have released an open-source AI model to predict solar weather. The model is designed to provide accurate forecasts of solar storms, which can impact satellite communications and power grids. The AI model uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and other sources to predict the intensity and duration of solar storms. The release of this model is expected to benefit space weather forecasting and help mitigate the effects of solar storms on satellite communications and power grids.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and NASA have jointly released Surya, an advanced open-source AI model designed to predict solar weather with unprecedented accuracy. This model is a significant advancement in space weather forecasting and aims to protect critical technology from the Sun's potentially disruptive activities. The release comes as humanity's dependence on space-based technology grows, highlighting the need for accurate solar weather prediction.

Surya is trained on nine years of high-resolution solar observation data from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, providing it with a robust dataset to analyze and predict solar activity. The model has demonstrated a 16 percent improvement in solar flare classification accuracy compared to previous methods, a substantial improvement that underscores its potential.

The model is capable of generating visual predictions of solar flares, providing a high-resolution image of where the flare is predicted to occur up to two hours in advance. This capability is crucial for preparing for solar storms, which can disrupt GPS navigation, power grids, and telecommunications, among other critical systems.

The collaboration between IBM and NASA is part of a broader effort to leverage AI for scientific discovery. By releasing Surya on Hugging Face, the organizations are democratizing access to advanced tools for understanding and forecasting solar weather. Researchers worldwide can now build upon this foundation to develop specialized applications tailored to their regions and industries.

The release of Surya is part of a larger initiative to use AI technology for exploring our planet and solar system. It joins the Prithvi family of foundation models, which includes a geospatial model and a weather model. Last year, IBM and NASA released the Prithvi weather model on Hugging Face, enabling scientists to develop short- and long-term weather and climate projections.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. The company helps clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting deliver open and flexible options to clients, backed by the company's commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.

The release of Surya is expected to have significant implications for space weather forecasting and the mitigation of solar storm effects on satellite communications and power grids. As humanity's technological dependence on space-based technology continues to grow, accurate and timely predictions of solar weather become increasingly critical.

Reference List:
[1] https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-08-20-IBM-and-NASA-Release-Groundbreaking-Open-Source-AI-Model-on-Hugging-Face-to-Predict-Solar-Weather-and-Help-Protect-Critical-Technology
[2] https://www.newscientist.com/article/2492865-nasa-and-ibm-built-an-ai-to-predict-solar-flares-before-they-hit-earth/