In execution of these tasks, the Space Safety Office has the following entities:

• Space Weather Office (OPS-SW)
• Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP)
• Space Debris Office (OPS-SD)
• Clean Space Office (OPS-SC)
• Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF)

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Mathematical model of the impacts of space weather

The Sun is a giant sphere of hot plasma in constant change. Our Sun is an extremely dynamic object: it emits a constant flow of radiation, energetic particles, and plasma in all directions, including towards the Earth. Our planet is partially protected by its natural magnetic field but, in case of high solar activity, conditions can quickly become hazardous. The ESA Space Weather Office has gathered data that describes in detail the connections between solar activity, and our environment and technology.

In September 1859, during solar cycle 10, a major explosion on the Sun ejected large amounts of radiation and plasma. This event produced disruptions in telegraph communication lines. The extremely energetic particles ejected by the Sun crossed all natural barriers of our planet and produced auroras visible at very low latitudes. Fortunately, our civilization did not rely at the time as much on the electric grid and telecommunications as we do today. An event of the size of the Carrington event would have catastrophic effects on our current society.

The objective of this internship is to develop a statistical model that can provide a fast, first order of magnitude, estimation of the expected impacts of any solar energetic event on our planet. Such a model would help the Space Weather Office to identify risks in the global technological infrastructure, but will also underscore opportunities for new developments that will help to minimize such risks in the future. The intern, under the supervision of an expert from the ESA Space Weather Office, will dive into the details of the space weather system and, using the existing data, will provide an initial version of a prediction and analysis model.

This is a topic that requires a global view, a strategic mind, creativity, and pro-activity. The outcomes of this project will be potentially used for strategic planning of future space weather services and missions.

Required Qualifications

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at the Master’s level and you need to remain enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Background in mathematics, statistics or systems engineering is required.

Knowledge of statistical software or a programming language would be an asset.

Experience with data analysis or mathematical modelling would be an asset.