Marin Graduate Utilizes AI to Enhance Data on Northern Lights

Jason Press, a graduate of Marin Catholic High School, is harnessing artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of data regarding the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. As a senior at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, Press is leading a data research project aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by cloud coverage, which often obscures valuable satellite observations.

The aurora borealis is a spectacular natural phenomenon generated by the interaction of solar particles and the Earth’s magnetic field. Press noted that “there are very few clear-sky nights with aurora data.” He explained that when clouds obstruct the view, much of the data collected is rendered useless. His project involves developing a model capable of penetrating cloud cover to recover previously discarded scientific data.

Innovative Approach to Data Recovery

Last summer, Press and his research team achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully clarifying images from 90 minutes of satellite video of the aurora borealis. By December 2023, their findings garnered recognition, leading to an invitation to present at the American Geophysical Union conference, a prominent gathering for scientists in the field.

Fabien Scalzo, Press’ computer science professor at Pepperdine, expressed enthusiasm for his student’s innovative work. “I’m thrilled by the work Jason has done,” Scalzo stated, emphasizing the intersection of computer vision and AI as a promising area for further research in auroras.

Press’s research contributes to a broader understanding of solar activity. According to Press, over half of the data from satellite videos has historically been compromised by cloud cover. This raises the stakes for scientists seeking to predict potential hazards associated with solar flares, such as large-scale disruptions to technology on Earth.

Implications for Solar Activity Prediction

Press’s chief mentor, Gerard Fasel, a physics professor at Pepperdine, highlighted the potential implications of improved aurora data accuracy. Being able to read auroras more reliably could enable scientists to forecast catastrophic events associated with solar winds. Historical instances, such as the 1859 solar storm that ignited telegraph lines and the 1989 Quebec blackout due to a less severe solar event, underscore the importance of such predictions.

“We’d like to be able to predict these storms so that we can power our spacecraft down to avoid damaging electrical circuits,” Fasel explained. He has been studying the aurora borealis since 1995 and believes that enhanced visibility of auroras could provide critical insights into solar-terrestrial interactions.

Press, who grew up in Mill Valley, California, is part of a family well-known in the local community for their academic achievements and contributions. Both of his parents, veterinarians Mary and Curtis Press, have fostered a culture of creativity and inquiry among their five children.

Chris Valdez, principal of Marin Catholic High School, noted the Press family’s commitment to academic excellence and community service. “Each of the Press siblings has attended Marin Catholic, balancing top academic performance with involvement in service, sports, and music,” Valdez remarked. “Creative endeavor is a family characteristic, and it is no surprise that Jason is using his intellectual gifts and curiosity to explore this data recovery project.”

The innovative work of Jason Press not only enhances the scientific community’s understanding of the aurora borealis but also represents a significant step forward in the utilization of artificial intelligence for critical data recovery in environmental science. As his project progresses, it holds the potential to reshape how scientists engage with and interpret the complex interactions between solar activity and Earth’s atmosphere.