NASA sent its twin robotic spacecrafts into orbit Oct. 25 to better understand the way the sun’s weather affects the solar system.

Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatories, or STEREO, is a two-year mission employing two similar observatories in space to provide 3-D measurements of the sun and solar wind in an attempt to study the nature of coronal mass ejections.

According to NASA, these powerful eruptions can eject up to 10 billion tons of the sun’s atmosphere into interplanetary space. They are the major source of the magnetic disruptions on Earth and a key component of space weather. Traveling away from the sun at speeds of approximately 1 million mph, coronal mass ejections can create major disturbances and even trigger magnetic storms if they collide with the Earth’s magnetosphere.

“Solar weather affects solar flares, which can cause auras to be seen in the sky and is actually kind of a [beautiful] benefit, but can also disrupt communications,” said William Gallus, professor of geological and atmospheric sciences.

The climate in space can affect satellite operations, communications, power systems, the lives of astronauts in space and global climate. Solar winds and storms can send space debris toward Earth.

“Particles [of the sun’s atmosphere from eruptions] travel out into interplanetary space and may eventually hit Earth,” said Martin Pohl, assistant professor of physics and astronomy.

Eruptions on the sun’s surface can occur that disrupt the protective magnetic field surrounding Earth. Solar eruptions and flares can create colorful auras in the sky, but they can have a troublesome impact on satellite communications, Pohl said.

STEREO, which was originally to launch last December, was delayed because of a Boeing employee strike and certain recalls made on rocket technology. The mission faced more challenges when last-minute safety concerns nearly forced another delay.

The north-northeasterly winds were cause for concern for the NASA launch team. If something were to go wrong during the launch, toxic fumes could drift to nearby Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, two Florida communities close to the Delta launch pad.

“[There was a] threat of our toxins assessment going bad over a certain area of the port. The range was able to clear the area,” said Omar Baez Jr., NASA launch director for the Launch Services Program, at a post-launch commentary. “We were able to waive that and proceed with our launch countdown.”

The launch team was forced to reset the launch time for the end of the window and wait out the winds. Nature cooperated by the time of take-off, and the launch proceeded successfully.

The two satellites will begin their observations after approximately 90 days in space. One will lead the orbit in front of Earth, and the other will trail behind.

When scientists are provided with STEREO’s findings, they will have a better understanding of the coronal ejections and the effects felt by Earth. This will help scientists to better forecast the weather in space for communication systems, satellite operations, aviation and safety.