Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the successful implementation and ongoing development of the Meridian Project, which focuses on monitoring and forecasting space weather to ensure the safety of spacecraft and the stability of high-tech systems [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Meridian Project, officially known as the "Ground-based Comprehensive Monitoring Network for Space Environment," aims to monitor changes in the solar-terrestrial environment and enhance China's capabilities in space weather research and application [3][4]. - The project has established a comprehensive monitoring network consisting of 31 stations and 282 monitoring devices, making it the most extensive and capable ground-based monitoring network for space environment internationally [4][5]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The project has faced challenges in acquiring large equipment and advanced technologies, leading to increased efforts in independent research and development [2]. - Innovations include the development of a large-aperture laser radar system in Hainan, which utilizes metastable helium atoms to monitor the upper atmosphere over thousands of kilometers [2]. Group 3: Future Plans - The project aims to implement the International Meridian Circle Scientific Program, establishing a complete monitoring chain from 120 degrees East to 60 degrees West, facilitating all-latitude and all-weather observations of the solar-terrestrial environment [5]. - The goal is to provide scientific support for global responses to space weather disasters and the peaceful utilization of outer space [5].

Core Insights - The "Ziwuyuan Project" has significantly improved China's capabilities in space weather monitoring and research, directly impacting the safety of spacecraft and high-tech systems [1][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Ziwuyuan Project, officially known as the "Ground-based Comprehensive Monitoring Network for Space Environment," aims to monitor changes in the solar-terrestrial environment and enhance China's research and application capabilities in space weather [4]. - The project consists of 31 stations and 282 monitoring devices, making it the most comprehensive ground-based monitoring network for space environment globally [4]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The project has developed a unique monitoring architecture characterized by a complete observation chain from the sun to the Earth's surface, a "three-network" layout, and a focus on four key regions [1][4]. - Innovations include the development of a large aperture laser radar system to monitor the upper atmosphere, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and optimize technology in challenging conditions [2]. Group 3: Future Plans - The project aims to implement the International Ziwuyuan Grand Scientific Plan, establishing a global space environment monitoring network and enhancing the project's role in various applications [3][4]. - Future efforts will focus on improving data processing software for large monitoring devices and expanding the monitoring capabilities to provide comprehensive observations of the solar-terrestrial environment [3].

Core Insights - The "Ziwuyuan Project" has significantly improved China's capabilities in space weather monitoring and research, directly impacting the safety of spacecraft and high-tech systems [2][5]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Ziwuyuan Project aims to monitor changes in the solar-terrestrial space environment, providing support for space weather research and real-time forecasting [4][5]. - The project consists of a comprehensive monitoring network with 31 stations and 282 monitoring devices, making it the most extensive and capable ground-based monitoring network internationally [5]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The project has developed a unique monitoring architecture characterized by a complete observation chain from the sun's surface to the Earth's surface, and a "three-network" layout for electromagnetic, middle and upper atmosphere, and ionosphere monitoring [2][3]. - Innovations include the use of a large aperture laser radar system to monitor the upper atmosphere, which was optimized through team collaboration and experimentation [3]. Group 3: Future Plans - The project will continue to implement the International Ziwuyuan Grand Science Plan, aiming to establish a comprehensive monitoring chain from 120°E to 60°W, facilitating all-weather observations of the solar-terrestrial environment [6]. - The goal is to enhance global responses to space weather disasters and promote peaceful utilization of outer space [6].

Core Insights - The core focus of the article is on the successful completion and significance of the Meridian Project Phase II, which enhances China's capabilities in monitoring space weather and understanding the solar-terrestrial environment [5][10]. Project Overview - The Meridian Project, officially known as the Ground-based Comprehensive Monitoring Network for Space Environment, is a major national scientific infrastructure aimed at monitoring space weather events that primarily propagate along the meridian direction [5]. - The project aims to provide real-time support for space weather forecasting by monitoring changes in the solar-terrestrial environment with high temporal and spatial resolution [5][10]. Technical Advancements - Phase II of the Meridian Project has achieved a significant leap from "having" to "being strong," establishing a complete monitoring chain from the sun to various layers of the Earth's space environment [10]. - The project has deployed 282 sets of advanced monitoring equipment, including globally unique devices such as the largest integrated aperture radio telescope and the most powerful incoherent scatter radar [11][10]. Network Structure - The monitoring network is structured around a "one chain, three networks, and four focuses" framework, which includes a comprehensive monitoring chain and a grid-like network covering key geographical areas [6][10]. - The project utilizes a unified management and collaborative operation system to ensure continuous and comprehensive monitoring across all stations [8]. Challenges and Solutions - The construction faced significant challenges, including harsh environmental conditions and the need for new technology integration between Phase I and Phase II [7][12]. - Solutions included upgrading existing equipment, standardizing data output, and integrating historical data into a new database [12]. Future Directions - The Meridian Project aims to expand its reach globally and develop a joint monitoring system that combines satellite and ground-based observations for more accurate space weather forecasting [13]. Team Composition - The project team consists of nearly 800 researchers from 16 different institutions, with a diverse range of expertise in various fields of space science [14]. - The team emphasizes nurturing young talent and fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation and scientific breakthroughs [15][18].

Core Viewpoint - The International Meridian Circle Scientific Program aims to enhance global monitoring and research of space weather, addressing the need for international collaboration in understanding and mitigating space weather disasters [3][9]. Group 1: Importance of International Collaboration - Space weather is a global phenomenon that requires extensive observation across various regions, making international cooperation essential for effective monitoring and research [3]. - The program focuses on the physical processes and changes in space weather, leveraging ground-based detection as a primary method due to its advantages in cost and reliability [3][6]. Group 2: Geographical Significance - The choice of the meridian circle along East Longitude 120° to West Longitude 60° is strategic, as it provides comprehensive land coverage for establishing ground observation facilities, creating a closed monitoring loop [4][5]. Group 3: Scientific Objectives - The program aims to construct a global monitoring chain for the Earth-space system, focusing on understanding the interactions between solar activity and terrestrial phenomena, as well as addressing three major scientific challenges related to space weather [6][7]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Capabilities - The Meridian Project has established a robust ground-based monitoring network, consisting of 31 stations and 282 monitoring devices, which enhances the capability for comprehensive observation of the Earth-space environment [8]. - The project has also developed a competitive research team in space physics and weather, providing a solid foundation for the implementation of the international program [8]. Group 5: Global Engagement - The program has already secured cooperation agreements with 36 international organizations and research institutions, indicating a strong collaborative framework for at least 11 years of research and observation [9].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the launch of the International Meridian Circle Project (IMCP) led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, marking a significant step in international scientific collaboration in space weather research [1][2] - The IMCP will be executed over a minimum of 11 years, aiming to complete research on solar activity cycles and establish a global community for space weather monitoring [1] - The project is based on the Meridian Project Phase II, which has successfully passed national acceptance and established a robust ground-based monitoring network for space weather in China [1] Group 2 - The scientific goals of the IMCP include understanding the Earth space system, clarifying the impacts of solar activity and Earth systems, and uncovering the characteristics and changes of space environments on global and regional scales [2] - To achieve these goals, the IMCP plans to establish an "IMCP International Organization" to coordinate and promote the implementation of the project, focusing on innovative research, collaborative monitoring, data sharing, and deepening cooperation [2]

Group 1 - The emphasis on deepening the implementation of the free trade zone enhancement strategy to explore broader and deeper areas for higher-level free trade zones [1][5] - The steady expansion of institutional openness in various free trade zones this year, promoting innovation across the entire industry chain [1][5] - The role of free trade zones as a demonstration and leading force in economic development [1][5] Group 2 - The opening of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, with participation from 53 African countries and over 3,000 enterprises and organizations [13] - The establishment of a domestic trade credit insurance co-insurance body to enhance domestic trade insurance capacity, providing an initial insurance guarantee of 10 billion yuan [18] Group 3 - The launch of a new batch of reserve rice by the Japanese government to stabilize rice prices, with 120,000 tons released [28][29] - The continuous rise in rice prices in Japan due to extreme heat and poor harvests, with the average price for 5 kilograms of rice around 210 yuan [29]

Core Viewpoint - The international meridian circle scientific program aims to enhance global monitoring and research of space weather, addressing the challenges posed by space weather phenomena that can adversely affect satellites, communication, navigation, and power systems [4][6]. Group 1: Space Weather Overview - Space weather refers to the short-term changes in the solar activity affecting the Earth’s space environment, recognized as the "fourth environment" beyond land, sea, and air [4]. - The adverse effects of space weather are a global phenomenon, presenting a common challenge for humanity [4]. Group 2: Significance of the Meridian Circle - The meridian circle spanning from 120 degrees East to 60 degrees West is unique due to its complete land coverage, allowing for a comprehensive ground-based observation network [5]. - This configuration enables continuous three-dimensional scanning of the space environment, facilitating day-and-night monitoring of space weather [5]. Group 3: Implementation of the International Program - The international meridian circle scientific program is set to last at least 11 years, aiming to create a platform for global scientific collaboration and participation [6]. - The program has already secured cooperation agreements with 36 international organizations and research institutions, establishing a strong foundation for its implementation [6]. - The initiative is expected to significantly advance human understanding of space weather and improve global capabilities in responding to space weather disasters [6].