Solar energetic particle (SEP) events have attracted increasing attention due to their significant radiation hazards for aviation, spacecraft electronics, and human missions beyond Earth's magnetosphere. From a scientific perspective, SEP events are intriguing because they arise from a set of physical processes extending from the solar surface and corona through the heliosphere, offering insight into particle acceleration and transport mechanisms that are widely applicable across astrophysics. Therefore, advancing our ability to understand and predict SEP events is essential both for deepening our knowledge of such mechanisms and for safeguarding space technologies and exploration. Traditionally, researchers have modeled SEPs using physics-based simulations and empirical methods. More recently, machine learning (ML) has emerged as a new tool for understanding and predicting SEP events. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the currently available ML models for SEP prediction, identify the datasets used for training, compare their architectures, inputs, and outputs, and, based on these insights, outline good practices and recommendations for future research.

Providing reliable forecasts of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events is mandatory for human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit, especially outside the Earth's magnetosphere. High-energy SEPs are tracked because they penetrate deeper into the terrestrial atmosphere and contribute to the radiation dose aboard spacecraft specifically over Canada and the Southern Indian Ocean, due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis. Based on the Relativistic Electron Alert System for Exploration (REleASE) forecasting scheme], the HESPERIA REleASE product was developed by the HESPERIA H2020 project (Project Coordinator: Dr. Olga Malandraki) and generating real-time predictions of the proton flux (30-50 MeV) at L1, making use of relativistic and near-relativistic electron measurements by the SOHO/EPHIN and ACE/EPAM experiments, respectively. The HESPERIA REleASE tools are operational through the Space Weather Operational Unit of the National Observatory of Athens, accessible through the dedicated website (http://www.hesperia.astro.noa.gr). HESPERIA REleASE has attracted attention from various space organizations (e.g., NASA/CCMC, SRAG), due to the real-time, highly accurate and timely performance offered. ESA selected the HESPERIA REleASE products that were integrated and provided through the ESA Space Weather (SWE) Service Network (https://swe.ssa.esa.int/noa-hesperia-federated) under the Space Radiation Expert Service Center (R-ESC). Solar cycle 25 solar radiation storms successfully predicted by HESPERIA REleASE are presented and discussed. Moreover, we present an innovative upgrade implemented, namely HESPERIA REleASE+, that is using the novel approach of combining for the first time real-time type III solar radio burst observations by the STEREO S/WAVES instrument, thus incorporating clear evidence of particle escape from the Sun, within the HESPERIA REleASE system. To this end, a robust automated algorithm has been developed for the real-time identification and classification of Type III radio burst characteristics, related to intense SEP events at Earth’s orbit. This new implementation leads to a substantial step forward in improving the accuracy and reduction of false alarms.

Beyond the Sun-Earth line, spacecraft equipped with various solar telescopes are intended to be deployed at several different vantage points in the heliosphere to carry out coordinated, multi-view observations of the Sun and its dynamic activities. In this context, we investigate solar visibility by imaging instruments onboard the spacecraft orbiting the Sun-Earth Lagrange points L1, L4 and L5, respectively. An optimal arrival time for vertical periodic orbits stationed at L4 and L5 is determined based on geometric considerations that ensure maximum visibility of solar poles or higher latitudes per year. For a different set of orbits around the three Lagrange points (L1, L4 and L5), we calculate the visibility of the solar surface (i.e., observation days per year) as a function of the solar latitude. We also analyze where the solar limb viewed from one of the three Sun-Earth Lagrange points under consideration is projected onto the solar surface visible to the other two. This analysis particularly aims at determining the feasibility of studying solar eruptions, such as flares and coronal mass ejections, with coordinated observations of off-limb erupting coronal structures and their on-disk magnetic footpoints. In addition, visibility analysis of a feature (such as sunspots) on the solar surface is made for multiple spacecraft in various types of orbits with different inclinations to quantify the improvement in continuous tracking of the target feature for studying its long-term evolution from emergence, growth and to decay. A comprehensive comparison of observations from single (L1), double (L1 and L4) and multi-space missions (L1, L4 and L5) is carried out through our solar visibility analysis, and this may help us to design future space missions of constructing multiple solar observatories at the Sun-Earth Lagrange points.

Solar Energetic Particle (SEPs) with energies ranging from tens of keV to a few GeV, are a significant component in the description of the space environment. In this work, the HESPERIA REleASE product is emphasized, which, based on the Relativistic Electron Alert System for Exploration (REleASE) forecasting scheme, generates real-time predictions of the proton flux (30–50 meV) at L1, making use of relativistic and near-relativistic electron measurements by the SOHO/EPHIN and ACE/EPAM experiments, respectively. The HESPERIA REleASE Alert is a notification system based on the forecasts produced by the HESPERIA REleASE product and informs about the expected radiation impact in real-time using an illustration and a distribution system for registered users. We also present and discuss the Advance Warning Times derived for the compiled list of major SEP events successfully forecasted over the last 2.5 years during solar cycle 25 by HESPERIA REleASE and recent developments.

This work reports on the real‐time implementation of a local solar proton event forecasting system at the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory—Ahead (STEREO‐A) spacecraft, namely STEREO REleASE+. The forecasting uses the finding that relativistic electrons provide the “earliest indication” that a solar particle event has started, arriving at near‐Earth distance earlier than protons at ∼30% of the speed of light. In addition to relativistic electrons, we use a requirement of a radio burst of type III to be observed before issuing a proton alert. A similar system, HESPERIA REleASE+, has already been implemented using electrons observed by SOHO and ACE near Earth, which creates local forecasts for the Earth‐moon system. The radio observations from STEREO‐A are used in both systems, as radio bursts in part of the emission spectrum can be observed all around the Sun. Usefulness of adding a radio burst requirement to an electron‐based forecasting system lies in the potential for suppression of known sources of false alarms, that is, added robustness. While this work describes the establishment of the real‐time system, we plan on using the two local and robust forecasts to test how far away from the spacecraft the validity and usefulness of the local forecasts extend. Moreover, the STEREO REleASE+ system, currently located between Earth and Earth‐Sun L4, adds an additional safeguard for exploration of the moon, in particular from solar particle events originating behind the western limb of the Sun.

A major impact on human and robotic space exploration activities is the sudden and prompt occurrence of solar energetic ion events. In 2023 and 2024, {STEREO} is approaching the Earth from a behind position, soon passing Earth inside its orbit and thereafter moving ahead of Earth. {STEREO} thus offers several unique opportunities during this passage. In the period from June 1 to November 1, 2023, 5 {SEP} events have been measured that cause proton fluxes of above 25~MeV to rise above 0.1 /(cm$^2$\; s\; sr\; MeV). Taking into account systematic and statistical uncertainties of the particle measurements we find a good agreement between both spacecraft.The SOHO/EPHIN and STEREO/SEPTproject is supported under Grant 50~OC~2102 by the German Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft through the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR). This study has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101004159 (SERPENTINE).

Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events can pose a significant radiation hazard for human and robotic space exploration activities. Therefore SEP forecasting systems are needed to support operations. The REleASE system (A. Posner, 2007) utilizes the fact that near relativistic electrons (1 MeV electrons have 94% of the speed of light) travel faster than ions (30 MeV protons have 25% of the speed of light) and are always present in hazardous SEP events. Their early arrival can be used to forecast the expected proton flux. Originally REleASE uses real time data from SOHO/EPHIN near Earth. Since the instrument is aging we recently adapted the method to STEREO-A/HET and used the period from June to November 2023 when STEREO-A passed the Earth to compare the REleASE forecasts from the different instruments.This study has received funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under grant agreement No. TXS0150642 (HESPERIA RELEASE).

Cosmic dust particles with sufficiently high charge-to-mass ratios interact with the heliosphere on both global and local scales due to the coupling of the charged dust with the heliospheric plasma. They are the fingerprints of heliospheric phenomena, and are tracers that can set boundary conditions to heliospheric models in addition to plasma, magnetic field or other measurements like galactic cosmic rays. This talk highlights (1) the synergies between the heliospheric and dust science, (2) the dust model predictions and (3) measurement requirements for dust measurements with an Interstellar Probe in different regions inside and outside of the heliosphere. We discuss how the choice of trajectories and launch date can affect the measurements and the science goals. Answering pressing questions concerning the dust-heliosphere interactions requires a multi-mission approach with missions inside the solar system as well. We therefore present interstellar dust impact predictions for the Destiny+ mission, and we illustrate how we aim to infer information about the heliosheath filtering using the data and simulations. Finally, we conclude - and highlight with some examples - why heliospheric/plasma physics and dust science go hand in hand, in particular for future mission proposals. We illustrate this with specific examples like the DOLPHIN and SunCHASER mission concepts and an instrument on the Lunar Gateway.

In this work we discuss the growing ensemble of solar energetic particle events registered on the Martian surface, including their temporal appearance and solar sources. Solar energetic particle events have been observed from the surface of Mars since soon after the August 2012 landing of the Radiation Assessment Detector onboard Curiosity. The Martian atmosphere prevents protons and heavy ions below 140 – 190 MeV/n kinetic energy from directly reaching the Martian surface. This cut-off is high enough to limit the number of solar energetic particle events measured on the surface to only 19 in ∼ 12 1/2 years. Yet we find in this analysis that proton acceleration that gives rise to Mars ground level enhancements takes place predominantly at or near the solar eruption site, while transport to Mars incurs a delay in onset, and, as we show here, peak intensity. These delays are a function of the longitudinal magnetic connection distance, defined here as the angular distance between the foot point of solar wind magnetic field lines that intersect the Mars environment and the source longitude of the solar magnetic eruption. A distinct clustering of solar source locations at or near the Mars foot points at the Sun’s western limb relative to Mars is apparent, indicating lower flux thresholds from such preferred locations. We have developed a simple peak flux prediction tool for the Martian surface that could be used to reduce radiation exposure during future human exploration missions.

In this paper we explore the idea of using multi-spacecraft observations of Jovian electrons to measure the 3D distribution of these particles in the inner heliosphere. We present simulations of Jovian electron intensities along selected spacecraft trajectories for 2021 and compare these, admittedly qualitatively, to these measurements. Using the data-model comparison we emphasize how such a study can be used to constrain the transport parameters in the inner heliosphere, and how this can lead to additional insight into energetic particle transport. Model results are also shown along the expected trajectories of selected spacecraft, including the off-ecliptic phase of the Solar Orbiter mission from 2025 onward. Lastly, we revisit the use of historical data and discuss upcoming missions that may contribute to Jovian electron measurements.

This work analyzes the appearance of wide-spread deka-MeV solar energetic proton (SEP) events, in particular the arrival of the first protons within ≈ 4.5 – 45 MeV measured at Earth–Sun L1, and their relationship with their relative solar source longitude. The definition of “wide-spread SEP event” for this study refers to events that are observed as a 25 MeV proton intensity increase at near 1 AU locations that are separated by at least 130∘ in solar longitude. Many of these events are seen at all three of the spacecraft, STEREO (Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory) A, STEREO B, and SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), and may therefore extend far beyond 130∘ in longitude around the Sun. A large subset of these events have already been part of a study by Richardson et al. (Solar Phys., 289, 3059, 2014). The event source region identifications draw from this study; more recent events have also been added. Our focus is on answering two specific questions: (1) What is the maximum longitude over which SEP protons show energy dispersion, i.e., a clear sign of arrival of higher-energy protons before those of lower energy? (2) What implications can be drawn from the ensemble of events observed regarding either direct magnetic connectivity to shocks and/or cross-field transport from the site of the eruption in the onset phase of the event?

Abstract This work reports on an attempt toward improving the Relativistic Electron Alert System for Exploration (REleASE): the occurrence of a type‐III radio burst as a precondition for a REleASE forecast. REleASE forecasts are based on the detection of early arrival of near‐relativistic electrons ahead of more hazardous protons from Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events. The goal is to allow astronauts on a Lunar or Mars mission sufficient advance warning to reach a radiation shelter to minimize radiation dose exposure. We test a new system that sets a condition of the occurrence of a type‐III radio burst, thus adding independent evidence of particle escape from the Sun, with the aim of reducing known sources of false‐alarms of the existing REleASE system. The High Energy Solar Particle Events foRecastIng and Analysis (HESPERIA) REleASE+ system, which takes advantage of availability of real‐time solar radio observations during the passage of STEREO‐A by Earth in 2023, has now been incorporated in the HESPERIA framework. We discuss the techniques used for automatic detection of type‐III radio bursts preparing for its real‐time implementation, the determination of selection criteria for type‐III bursts that are candidates for solar proton events in the Earth‐moon system, and first results of the combined system.

This white paper recognizes gaps in observations that will, when addressed, much improve solar radiation hazard and geomagnetic storm forecasting. Radiation forecasting depends on observations of the entire "Solar Radiation Hemisphere" that we will define. Mars exploration needs strategic placement of radiation-relevant observations. We also suggest an orbital solution that will improve geomagnetic storm forecasting through improved in situ and solar/heliospheric remote sensing.

SWx forecasting is an expression of understanding a system to the extent that its future behavior can be predicted. Two main SWx science problems are addressed in this White Paper:

Context.On 2020 November 29, the first widespread solar energetic particle (SEP) event of solar cycle 25 was observed at four widely separated locations in the inner (≲1 AU) heliosphere. Relativistic electrons as well as protons with energies > 50 MeV were observed by Solar Orbiter (SolO), Parker Solar Probe, the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)-A and multiple near-Earth spacecraft. The SEP event was associated with an M4.4 class X-ray flare and accompanied by a coronal mass ejection and an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wave as well as a type II radio burst and multiple type III radio bursts.Aims.We present multi-spacecraft particle observations and place them in context with source observations from remote sensing instruments and discuss how such observations may further our understanding of particle acceleration and transport in this widespread event.Methods.Velocity dispersion analysis (VDA) and time shift analysis (TSA) were used to infer the particle release times at the Sun. Solar wind plasma and magnetic field measurements were examined to identify structures that influence the properties of the energetic particles such as their intensity. Pitch angle distributions and first-order anisotropies were analyzed in order to characterize the particle propagation in the interplanetary medium.Results.We find that during the 2020 November 29 SEP event, particles spread over more than 230° in longitude close to 1 AU. The particle onset delays observed at the different spacecraft are larger as the flare–footpoint angle increases and are consistent with those from previous STEREO observations. Comparing the timing when the EUV wave intersects the estimated magnetic footpoints of each spacecraft with particle release times from TSA and VDA, we conclude that a simple scenario where the particle release is only determined by the EUV wave propagation is unlikely for this event. Observations of anisotropic particle distributions at SolO, Wind, and STEREO-A do not rule out that particles are injected over a wide longitudinal range close to the Sun. However, the low values of the first-order anisotropy observed by near-Earth spacecraft suggest that diffusive propagation processes are likely involved.

Abstract The Earth‐Sun Lagrangian point 4 is a meta‐stable location at 1 AU from the Sun, 60° ahead of Earth's orbit. It has an uninterrupted view of the solar photosphere centered on W60, the Earth's nominal magnetic field connection to the Sun. Such a mission on its own would serve as a solar remote sensing observatory that would oversee the entire solar radiation hemisphere with significant relevance for protecting Moon and Mars explorers from radiation exposure. In combination with appropriately planned observatories at L1 and L5, the three spacecraft would provide 300° longitude coverage of photospheric magnetic field structure, and allow continuous viewing of both solar poles, with >3.6° elevation. Ideally, the L4 and L5 missions would orbit the Sun with a 7.2° inclination out of the heliographic equator, 14.5° out of the ecliptic plane. We discuss the impact of extending solar magnetic field observations in both longitude and latitude to improve global solar wind modeling and, with the development of local helioseismology, the potential for long‐term solar activity forecasting. Such a mission would provide a unique opportunity for interplanetary and interstellar dust science. It would significantly add to reliability of operational observations on fast coronal mass ejections directed at Earth and for human Mars explorers on their round‐trip journey. The L4 mission concept is technically feasible, and is scientifically compelling.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission continues to travel closer to the Sun than any prior human-made object, with an expected closest approach of <10 solar radii (<0.046 au) by 2024. On board, the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun instrument suite makes unprecedented in situ measurements of energetic particles in the near-Sun environment. The current low level of solar activity offers a prime opportunity to measure cosmic rays closer to the Sun than ever before. We present the first observations of anomalous cosmic rays in to 36 solar radii (0.166 au), focusing specifically on helium. Our results indicate a strong radial intensity gradient of ∼25 ± 5%/au over energies of ∼4 to ∼45 MeV/nuc. These values are larger than prior observations, further out in the heliosphere, and come at a unique time in our understanding and modeling of particle transport and acceleration, particularly as both Voyagers have crossed the heliopause and IBEX has accumulated a full solar cycle of observations. Thus, continued measurements of cosmic rays by Parker Solar Probe will play a critical role in linking past observations with our present knowledge and significantly advancing our understanding of cosmic ray transport in the heliosphere.

The near-Earth energetic particle environment has been monitored since the 1970’s. With the increasing importance of quantifying the radiation risk for, e.g. for the human exploration of the Moon and Mars, it is essential to continue and further improve these measurements. The Electron Proton Helium INstrument (EPHIN) on-board SOHO continually provides these data sets to the solar science and space weather communities since 1995. Here, we introduce the numerous data products developed over the years and present space weather related applications. Important design features that have led to EPHINs success as well as lessons learned and possible improvements to the instrument are also discussed with respect to the next generation of particle detectors.

After decades of observations of solar energetic particles from space-based observatories, relevant questions on particle injection, transport, and acceleration remain open. To address these scientific topics, accurate measurements of the particle properties in the inner heliosphere are needed. In this paper we describe the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD), an instrument suite that is part of the scientific payload aboard the Solar Orbiter mission. Solar Orbiter will approach the Sun as close as 0.28 au and will provide extra-ecliptic measurements beyond ∼30° heliographic latitude during the later stages of the mission. The EPD will measure electrons, protons, and heavy ions with high temporal resolution over a wide energy range, from suprathermal energies up to several hundreds of megaelectronvolts/nucleons. For this purpose, EPD is composed of four units: the SupraThermal Electrons and Protons (STEP), the Electron Proton Telescope (EPT), the Suprathermal Ion Spectrograph (SIS), and the High-Energy Telescope (HET) plus the Instrument Control Unit that serves as power and data interface with the spacecraft. The low-energy population of electrons and ions will be covered by STEP and EPT, while the high-energy range will be measured by HET. Elemental and isotopic ion composition measurements will be performed by SIS and HET, allowing full particle identification from a few kiloelectronvolts up to several hundreds of megaelectronvolts/nucleons. Angular information will be provided by the separate look directions from different sensor heads, on the ecliptic plane along the Parker spiral magnetic field both forward and backwards, and out of the ecliptic plane observing both northern and southern hemispheres. The unparalleled observations of EPD will provide key insights into long-open and crucial questions about the processes that govern energetic particles in the inner heliosphere.

Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs), ranging in energy from tens of keV to a few GeV, constitute an important con-tributor to the characterization of the space environment. SEP radiation storms may have durations from a period of hours to days or even weeks and have a large range of energy spectrum profiles. They pose a threat to mod-ern technology strongly relying on spacecraft and are a serious radiation hazard to humans in space, and are additionally of concern for avionics and commercial aviation in extreme cases. The High Energy Solar Particle Events forecasting and Analysis (HESPERIA) project, supported by the HORIZON 2020 programme of the Eu-ropean Union, has furthered our prediction capability of high-energy SEP events by developing new European capabilities for SEP forecasting and warning, while exploiting novel as well as already existing datasets. The HESPERIA UMASEP-500 tool makes real-time predictions of the occurrence of >500 MeV and Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) events from the analysis of soft X-ray flux and high-energy differential proton flux measured by the GOES satellite network. Regarding the prediction of GLE events for the period 2000-2016, this tool had a Probability of Detection (POD) of 53.8% and a False Alarm Ratio (FAR) of 30.0%. For this period, the tool obtained an Advanced Warning Time (AWT) of 8 min taking as reference the alert time from the first NMstation; using the time of the warning issued by the GLE Alert Plus tool for the aforementioned period as reference, the tool obtained an AWT of 15 min (Núñez et al. 2017). Based on the Relativistic Electron Alert System for Exploration (REleASE) forecasting scheme (Posner, 2007), the HESPERIA REleASE tools generate real-time predictions of the proton flux (30-50 MeV) at the Lagrangian point L1, making use of relativistic electrons (v>0.9c) and near-relativistic (v<0.8c) electron measurements provided by the SOHO/EPHIN and ACE/EPAM experiments, respectively. Analysis of historic data from 2009 to 2016 has shown the HESPERIA REleASE tools have a low FAR (∼30%) and a high POD (63%). Both HESPERIA tools are operational through the project’s website (http://www.hesperia.astro.noa.gr) at the National Observatory of Athens and presented in the recently published book on 'Solar Particle Radiation Storms Forecasting and Analysis, The HESPERIA HORIZON 2020 Project and Beyond', edited by Malandraki and Crosby, Springer, Astrophysics and Space Sciences Library, 2018, freely available at https://www.springer.com/de/book/9783319600505. The HESPERIA tools have been selected as a top priority internationally by NASA/CCMC to be included in the simulations of the manned-mission to Mars by Johnson Space Center (ISEP project). The National Observatory of Athens participates in the ISEP project with a relevant contract.