In this work, we explore embodied data interaction with the empirical space weather datasets in a mixed reality (MR) environment using extended reality (XR) technologies. Three empirical variables related to the study of solar storms over an 18-year period are shown: SYM-H index data, sunspot number, and ground-based total electron content from the northwest sector of the continental United States. We aim to showcase correlations among these data variables in a novel MR environment and use audio and visual analytics to explore using the XR capabilities to detect correlations. We provide sonification (the use of non-speech audio to convey information) and visual analytics techniques in an MR tool deployed on an MR headset. A human research study involving 54 participants tested the usability and efficacy of the newly developed MR tool on users with no space-science expertise or prior knowledge of the datasets. The results show that even with minimal knowledge of space weather and limited experience with MR environments, the participants were able to identify correlations and begin to understand the scientific context of space weather phenomena. At the CEDAR 2023 conference, we broadened the demographics of the study by studying the responses of space-weather experts in order to more rigorously quantify and assess the potential impact of XR technologies on educational and analysis tools and techniques. Forty-two space science experts gave their feedback about the usability and the potential of this emerging technology as a scientific education and analysis methodology. At the NASA 4th Eddy Cross-Disciplinary Symposium in 2023, we gained a global perspective and feedback from the heliophysics community around the world. At AGU 2024, we intend to present the results collected from space weather experts worldwide, discuss the next steps, and highlight the strengths and challenges of this novel approach to data analysis.

In this work, a team of globally distributed space science researchers come together to voice their perspectives on space weather research globally and locally. We highlight the importance of studying Heliophysics and space weather research efforts and discuss the challenges the field faces in different parts of the world. We emphasize the importance of focusing on local matters, emphasizing that space weather science can look and mean different things in various parts of the world. Local stories and regional challenges are often lost in chasing the broadly defined issues by the community. We highlight this issue and the importance of global voices, focusing on three different regions: India, Africa, and Latin America. The regions are demographically and culturally distinct, and each region offers a unique perspective on space weather research. We then discuss these challenges in terms of data, software, and technological infrastructure, diving into the guidelines and vision of the globally united space weather research community. This leads to a discussion of shared global challenges and an offering of solutions in today's digital world incorporating open science initiatives. Lastly, we describe what emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality can offer the space weather community, taking inspiration from other fields.