EUHFORIA: A Key Tool for Understanding Solar Activity
EUHFORIA (EUropean Heliospheric FORecasting Information Asset) is a state-of-the-art computational model designed to predict the propagation of solar wind and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) through interplanetary space. Developed by an international team led by KU Leuven and supported by collaborators across Europe [1], this simulation code provides actionable forecasts of space weather conditions, enabling government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to better anticipate and mitigate the impacts of solar activity on Earth and near-Earth infrastructure.
Scientific Foundations
EUHFORIA’s core modeling approach is grounded in advanced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations and empirical solar wind boundary conditions derived from remote-sensing observations of the Sun. By coupling solar wind models with CME propagation tools, EUHFORIA accurately simulates how energetic plasma and magnetic fields travel from the solar corona into the heliosphere.
Core Capabilities
Solar Wind and CME Modeling: EUHFORIA simulates ambient solar wind conditions and dynamically inserts CMEs into the heliospheric domain. This allows users to track how both slower background winds and high-speed solar eruptions evolve over time and space.
Accurate Arrival Time and Intensity Forecasts: By modeling CMEs, CME-driven shocks, and magnetic disturbances, EUHFORIA provides forecasts of solar storm arrival times and intensities at Earth and other locations in the inner heliosphere. This is critical for protecting satellites, crewed spacecraft, power grids, and communication networks.
Integration with European Space Weather Infrastructure: EUHFORIA forms a key component of several European space weather forecasting initiatives. It is integrated into the ESA’s Virtual Space Weather Modelling Centre (VSWMC) and underpins many of Europe’s operational space weather services.
Contributions of Rays of Space
Rays of Space supports the EUHFORIA project through infrastructure development, computational optimization, CME model integration, and the creation of accessible user interfaces:
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Integration: EUHFORIA uses massive parallelization to achieve faster-than-real-time forecasts. Running EUHFORIA on HPC computing resources—such as Flemish Vlaanderen supercomputer,—enables rapid scenario testing and timely updates. Rays of Space takes care of the smooth operation of EUHFORIA in HPC infrastructures and containerization.
Model Refinement and Optimization: Rays of Space collaborates closely with KU Leuven and other research partners to refine EUHFORIA’s codebase, enhance stability, and improve numerical resolution. These optimizations lead to better predictive accuracy and reduced computational overhead.
Integration of CME models: We work on the integration of new CME models into the EUHFORIA codebase. This includes also our in-house developed state-of-the-art FRi3D model.
EUHFORIA Online Platform: Rays of Space developed EUHFORIA Online (accessible at https://euhforiaonline.com), providing a user-friendly web interface that allows scientists, operators, and policy-makers to run simulations, visualize results, and access the full raw output of simulations.
Why EUHFORIA Is Important
Space weather poses a growing concern for modern infrastructure. From GPS navigation and satellite communication to power distribution systems, an unexpected surge of solar activity can disrupt essential services. EUHFORIA’s predictive capabilities reduce uncertainty by delivering advanced warnings of solar storms. This empowers satellite controllers to maneuver spacecraft out of harm’s way, airline operators to reroute flights for passenger safety, and grid operators to reinforce their systems against geomagnetic disturbances. For human spaceflight, such as missions beyond low-Earth orbit, reliable forecasts are critical to shielding humans in space from heightened radiation levels.
Looking Ahead
The EUHFORIA model continues to evolve. Ongoing research efforts focus on enhanced model physics, operational upgrades, integration of CME models, and chaining EUHFORIA with other simulation codes.
By continually enhancing EUHFORIA’s capabilities, Rays of Space and its collaborators contribute to the global effort to understand, predict, and mitigate space weather hazards.
References
[1] Pomoell, J. & Poedts, S. (2018). "EUHFORIA: European Heliospheric Forecasting Information Asset." Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, 8, A35. [doi:10.1051/swsc/2018020]
