Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Threats from Space
Not all natural hazards that affect Earth come from here. Sometimes things from space can have a huge effect on our planet. From geomagnetic storms to meteor impacts, the USGS has a long history of mapping celestial bodies, investigating planetary anomalies, and monitoring the Earth’s geomagnetic and atmospheric conditions.
Planetary Defense

At the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, we conduct research on Planetary Defense, including predicting potential meteor impactors and studying how to deflect or divert them Effects include short-term effects such as blast damage, but also long-term effects such as climate and social impacts.
Geomagnetism Program

The USGS Geomagnetism Program monitors the Earth's magnetic field, with a key focus on space-weather hazard science. Geomagnetic research projects support the pursuit of a fundamental understanding of geomagnetic storms and related phenomena, while developing products to assist with situational awareness here on Earth.
Although USGS may not be seen as a space research agency, we do study a variety of threats from space. Whether it is geomagnetic storms, meteor impacts, or satellite research, the USGS has a long history of exploring what comes from above.
Here are a few examples of projects that have us looking up.



Publications
Down to Earth with nuclear electromagnetic pulse: Realistic surface impedance affects mapping of the E3 geoelectric hazard
Magnetotelluric sampling and geoelectric hazard estimation: Are national-scale surveys sufficient?
Planetary defense preparedness: Identifying the potential for post-asteroid impact time delayed and geographically displaced hazards
A 100-year geoelectric hazard analysis for the U.S. high-voltage power grid
On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America
Science
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Terrestrial Analog Sample Collections
Keeping the Lights On in North America
Meteor Crater Sample Collection
Flynn Creek Crater Sample Collection
Connect
Astrogeology Science Center
2255 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
United States
Geomagnetism Program
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston, VA 20192
United States
Multimedia
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
News
A Martian landscape right at home
Space Weather and Magnetic Storms: Invaders from Outer Space…Sort Of
Down to Earth: Complexities of Geology Affect Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Hazard
Down to Earth with nuclear electromagnetic pulse: Realistic surface impedance affects mapping of the E3 geoelectric hazard
Magnetotelluric sampling and geoelectric hazard estimation: Are national-scale surveys sufficient?
Planetary defense preparedness: Identifying the potential for post-asteroid impact time delayed and geographically displaced hazards
A 100-year geoelectric hazard analysis for the U.S. high-voltage power grid
On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America
Calculation of voltages in electric power transmission lines during historic geomagnetic storms: An investigation using realistic earth impedances
Real-time geomagnetic monitoring for space weather-related applications: Opportunities and challenges
Down to Earth with an electric hazard from space
Monitoring the Earth's dynamic magnetic field
Magnetic monitoring of earth and space
The effects of the Chesapeake Bay impact crater on the geologic framework and the correlation of hydrogeologic units of southeastern Virginia, south of the James River
Geology of the Upheaval Dome impact structure, southeast Utah
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Terrestrial Analog Sample Collections
Keeping the Lights On in North America
Meteor Crater Sample Collection
Flynn Creek Crater Sample Collection
Observatories
Geomagnetism Monitoring Operations
Geomagnetism Research
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
Astrogeology Science Center
2255 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
United States
Geomagnetism Program
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston, VA 20192
United States
What is a magnetic storm?
How does the Earth's core generate a magnetic field?
What are the hazards of magnetic storms?
Do solar flares or magnetic storms (space weather) cause earthquakes?
Does the Earth's magnetic field affect human health?
Why measure the magnetic field at the Earth's surface? Wouldn't satellites be better suited for space-weather studies?
Could magnetic reversals be caused by meteorite or comet impacts?
I think I found a meteorite. How can I tell for sure?
How can I tell if I have found an impact crater?
Not all natural hazards that affect Earth come from here. Sometimes things from space can have a huge effect on our planet. From geomagnetic storms to meteor impacts, the USGS has a long history of mapping celestial bodies, investigating planetary anomalies, and monitoring the Earth’s geomagnetic and atmospheric conditions.
Planetary Defense

At the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, we conduct research on Planetary Defense, including predicting potential meteor impactors and studying how to deflect or divert them Effects include short-term effects such as blast damage, but also long-term effects such as climate and social impacts.
Geomagnetism Program

The USGS Geomagnetism Program monitors the Earth's magnetic field, with a key focus on space-weather hazard science. Geomagnetic research projects support the pursuit of a fundamental understanding of geomagnetic storms and related phenomena, while developing products to assist with situational awareness here on Earth.
Although USGS may not be seen as a space research agency, we do study a variety of threats from space. Whether it is geomagnetic storms, meteor impacts, or satellite research, the USGS has a long history of exploring what comes from above.
Here are a few examples of projects that have us looking up.



Publications
Down to Earth with nuclear electromagnetic pulse: Realistic surface impedance affects mapping of the E3 geoelectric hazard
Magnetotelluric sampling and geoelectric hazard estimation: Are national-scale surveys sufficient?
Planetary defense preparedness: Identifying the potential for post-asteroid impact time delayed and geographically displaced hazards
A 100-year geoelectric hazard analysis for the U.S. high-voltage power grid
On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America
Science
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Terrestrial Analog Sample Collections
Keeping the Lights On in North America
Meteor Crater Sample Collection
Flynn Creek Crater Sample Collection
Connect
Astrogeology Science Center
2255 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
United States
Geomagnetism Program
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston, VA 20192
United States
Multimedia
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
News
A Martian landscape right at home
Space Weather and Magnetic Storms: Invaders from Outer Space…Sort Of
Down to Earth: Complexities of Geology Affect Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Hazard
Down to Earth with nuclear electromagnetic pulse: Realistic surface impedance affects mapping of the E3 geoelectric hazard
Magnetotelluric sampling and geoelectric hazard estimation: Are national-scale surveys sufficient?
Planetary defense preparedness: Identifying the potential for post-asteroid impact time delayed and geographically displaced hazards
A 100-year geoelectric hazard analysis for the U.S. high-voltage power grid
On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America
Calculation of voltages in electric power transmission lines during historic geomagnetic storms: An investigation using realistic earth impedances
Real-time geomagnetic monitoring for space weather-related applications: Opportunities and challenges
Down to Earth with an electric hazard from space
Monitoring the Earth's dynamic magnetic field
Magnetic monitoring of earth and space
The effects of the Chesapeake Bay impact crater on the geologic framework and the correlation of hydrogeologic units of southeastern Virginia, south of the James River
Geology of the Upheaval Dome impact structure, southeast Utah
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Terrestrial Analog Sample Collections
Keeping the Lights On in North America
Meteor Crater Sample Collection
Flynn Creek Crater Sample Collection
Observatories
Geomagnetism Monitoring Operations
Geomagnetism Research
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Before landing on the surface of the moon in 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed a training ground that matched their destination's cratered surface.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation.
Astrogeology Science Center
2255 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
United States
Geomagnetism Program
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr
Reston, VA 20192
United States