Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) are a ground end manifestation of space weather processes. During large geomagnetic storms, GICs flow between the grounding points of power transformers and along electric power transmission lines connecting the transformers. In high‐latitude regions, damages to power transformers are reported where storm time geomagnetic variations are very rapid and large (>1000 nT), and hence the GICs as large as or even greater than 100 A end up flowing through the windings of power transformers. At low latitudes, geomagnetic variations are less severe, and hence much smaller GIC values are generally reported there. However, the flow of GICs and their effects on power transformers are complex processes, and careful evaluation is needed even in such low‐latitude regions as, for example, Brazil. We report here a study on GIC measurements in Brazil conducted under a cooperative project between FURNAS (the Brazilian electric power company) and the National Institute for Space Research. During a large geomagnetic storm, which took place on 7–10 November 2004, the GIC amplitudes, measured on the basis of geomagnetic variations in 500 kV power transmission lines in the S–E region of Brazil, were found to be around 15 A.

ABSTRACT. Fluxgate magnetometers are widely used in weak magnetic field measurements, mainly for purposes associated with geomagnetic observations, mineral prospecting and space research, because of their low power consumption, low noise level, large dynamic band and great sensitivity. Recent applications of soft magnetism in amorphous alloys have created a renewed stimulus to advance research in magnetic sensors, for deployment in tropical and sub tropical regions resembling Brazil.In the present study, ring cores made of amorphous ribbons are used to investigate the behavior of alternative fluxgate configurations to be introduced in the next generation of magnetometers to be developed at INPE for geomagnetic soundings. The results show the potential of temperature compensations in the fluxgate by the use of a modified feedback circuit, which provides, at the same time, the magnetic field feedback and the required magnetic field compensation due to temperature variations. The study of a direct-driven excitation provided by an amorphous tape-wrapped ring core provides support for a 2 nd harmonic magnetometer with sensitivity characteristics similar to those obtained with a conventional excitation, yet operated with less power consumption.Keywords: magnetometers, fluxgate, direct excitation, geomagnetic soundings. RESUMO.Magnetômetros fluxgates são amplamente usados em medidas do campo magnético de baixa intensidade, principalmente para finalidades associadas a observações geomagnéticas, prospecção mineral e pesquisa espacial, por causa do consumo pequeno, nível de ruído baixo, faixa dinâmica ampla e grande sensibilidade.Aplicações recentes de magnetismo mole, característico de ligas amorfas, têm criado novos estímulos para o avanço da pesquisa em sensores magnéticos para serem instalados em regiões tropicais e subtropicais como o Brasil. Neste estudo, núcleos feitos de fitas de ligas amorfas são usados na investigação de configurações alternativas a serem introduzidas na construção dos próximos magnetômetros construídos no INPE para sondagens geomagnéticas. Os resultados mostram o seu potencial para compensar variações de temperatura, com o uso de circuitos de realimentação modificados, que fornecem, ao mesmo tempo, a realimentação do campo magnético e a compensação do campo magnético pela variação da temperatura. O estudo da excitação direta fornecida pela fita de liga amorfa enrolada no núcleo confirma a ocorrência de características de sensibilidade magnética em um magnetômetro de segundo harmônico, similaràs obtidas com a excitação convencional, porém com a vantagem do menor consumo de energia.Palavras-chave: magnetômetro, fluxgate, excitação direta, sondagens geomagnéticas.

Abstract.We describe the preliminary design of a magnetograph and visible-light imager instrument to study the solar dynamo processes through observations of the solar surface magnetic field distribution. The instrument will provide measurements of the vector magnetic field and of the line-of-sight velocity in the solar photosphere. As the magnetic field anchored at the solar surface produces most of the structures and energetic events in the upper solar atmosphere and significantly influences the heliosphere, the development of this instrument plays an important role in reaching the scientific goals of The Atmospheric and Space Science Coordination (CEA) at the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE). In particular, the CEA's space weather program will benefit most from the development of this technology. We expect that this project will be the starting point to establish a strong research program on Solar Physics in Brazil. Our main aim is acquiring progressively the know-how to build state-of-art solar vector magnetograph and visible-light imagers for space-based platforms to contribute to the efforts of the solar-terrestrial physics community to address the main unanswered questions on how our nearby Star works.

No abstract

No abstract