The ground-based neutron monitor—installed at a Met Office site in Cornwall—is a new design created by Dr. Michael Aspinall and a team from the School of Engineering. The project was carried out in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Mirion Technologies (Canberra UK) Ltd and was tested on the ChipIr beamline at STFC’s ISIS neutron and muon source.
Global Monitoring Network
The new monitor joins an international network of around forty-five similar sensors worldwide that are continually monitoring changes in neutrons at the Earth's surface to assess the influence of space weather. The project also includes a smaller monitor soon to be based at Lancaster University.
Advancing Space Weather Monitoring Capabilities
Principal Investigator Michael Aspinall said: “This project marks a major milestone for the UK in advancing our space weather monitor capabilities—something crucial for safeguarding modern infrastructure and daily life.
"Bringing this neutron monitor online in collaboration with the Met Office and other international partners adopting our design strengthens global resilience to space weather risks by providing real-time data and new measurement capabilities. With our new design for an instrument that has not fundamentally changed in six decades, we’re not just building on the past—we’re setting new standards for the future of neutron monitoring.
"The NM-2023 monitor introduces innovations that improve efficiency, sustainability, and affordability, all the while delivering the critical data needed to better understand and mitigate the impacts of space weather."
Monitoring Solar Radiation Storms
The monitor will be chiefly looking for spikes in neutrons, called Ground Level Enhancements (GLE), which occur during solar radiation storms caused by the acceleration of particles close to the Sun. The new monitoring capability will enable alerts to be issued and validate existing forecasting methods of solar radiation storms, which can disable satellites and cause nationwide power outages on Earth.
Met Office Space Weather Manager Simon Machin said:
“The new UK-based space weather monitor will enhance global monitoring of space weather events and will be an important part of our ongoing space weather forecasting and validating service.
"While severe space weather events are rare, this increased capability and resilience will help scientists and industries to manage risks and mitigate impacts where possible."
Enhancing Space Weather Forecasting
The most severe solar radiation storms have the potential to impact aviation, satellites, spacecraft, and even some ground-based electronics. These storms can reach Earth from the Sun in as little as ten minutes. Enhanced ground-based monitoring can help scientists understand and mitigate impacts.
The project was funded by the UK Science and Technologies Facilities Council under the Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk (SWIMMR) programme. This initiative aims to improve the UK’s capabilities in space weather monitor development and prediction through a series of projects.
