Real‐time geomagnetic monitoring for space weather‐related applications: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

An examination is made of opportunities and challenges for enhancing global, real‐time geomagnetic monitoring that would be beneficial for a variety of operational projects. This enhancement in geomagnetic monitoring can be attained by expanding the geographic distribution of magnetometer stations, improving the quality of magnetometer data, increasing acquisition sampling rates, increasing the promptness of data transmission, and facilitating access to and use of the data. Progress will benefit from new partnerships to leverage existing capacities and harness multisector, cross‐disciplinary, and international interests.

AuroraWatch UK: An Automated Aurora Alert System

“…The AWUK system is not only a useful tool for aurora hunters. With its long history of recording localized geomagnetic disturbances, it can also be used for scientific study and for global real‐time geomagnetic monitoring (Love & Finn, ). For example, future studies will be undertaken to compare the AWUK data with citizen science observations of the aurora to determine the accuracy of our alerts levels (e.g., Harrison, ; Lockwood & Barnard, ; MacDonald et al, ; McBeath, ).…”

Space Weather Quarterly Volume 14, Issue 4, 2017

“…Scientific advisory panels since the early 1990s have stressed the importance of continuing operations of magnetometer arrays (Love & Finn, 2017 provide an extensive list). In recognition of society's increasing vulnerability to space weather effects, in 2015 the National Science and Technology Council/Office of Science and Technology Policy published two documents, the National Space Weather Strategy (2015) and National Space Weather Action Plan (2015) that also stressed the importance of magnetometer arrays for space weather monitoring.…”

“…In recognition of society's increasing vulnerability to space weather effects, in 2015 the National Science and Technology Council/Office of Science and Technology Policy published two documents, the National Space Weather Strategy (2015) and National Space Weather Action Plan (2015) that also stressed the importance of magnetometer arrays for space weather monitoring. Love and Finn (2017) identify two categories of ground-based magnetometers worldwide: magnetic observatories and variometers. Magnetic observatories are designed to measure Earth's geomagnetic field with great accuracy and long-term stability; they require isolated sites, magnetically clean buildings, frequent calibration, continuous on-site support, and considerable postprocessing to produce "definitive" data.…”

“…Of those, 46 stations report data to the INTER-MAGNET site in near real time. Although these observatories are widely spaced, they provide consistent high-quality data, rapid reporting, and worldwide coverage (Love & Finn, 2017).…”

The Future of Ground Magnetometer Arrays in Support of Space Weather Monitoring and Research

“…Love and Finn () identify two categories of ground‐based magnetometers worldwide: magnetic observatories and variometers. Magnetic observatories are designed to measure Earth's geomagnetic field with great accuracy and long‐term stability; they require isolated sites, magnetically clean buildings, frequent calibration, continuous on‐site support, and considerable postprocessing to produce “definitive” data.…”