Global space weather conditions
GOES solar X-ray flux [3 days]
This diagram shows the time evolution of the X-ray flux measured by the GOES satellites in two different wavelength ranges. X-ray flux is used to track solar activity and solar flares. X-ray flares produced by the Sun modify the ionosphere, blocking high-frequency (HF) radio transmissions on the sunlit side of the Earth. Solar flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can ultimately lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares can be accompanied by strong radio bursts that can interfere with other radio frequencies, causing disruptions to satellite communications, GPS satellites, and radio navigation.
Showing the data values: If you hover your mouse over the displayed data (or tap it with a mobile device), the data value will appear in the figure.
Showing the data values: If you hover your mouse over the displayed data (or tap it with a mobile device), the data value will appear in the figure.
GOES-16 Long
GOES-16 Short
Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) [3 days]
This figure shows the temporal variation of the interplanetary magnetic field over the past 3 days. The red and blue curves show the strength of the magnetic components perpendicular to the Earth-Sun direction in nanotesla (nT) units. Bz is “up” in the plane containing the Earth’s magnetic axis, and By is perpendicular to it, so that Bx, By and Bz form a right-handed system (Geocentric Solar Magnetospheric system). The black curve (Bt) depicts the total magnetic induction, i.e. the magnitude of the vector. At Bt values above about 20 nT, we can speak of a strong magnetic field. From the point of view of the interaction with the Earth’s magnetic field, the Bz component is of decisive importance. If it is southward (i.e. negative), we can expect the formation of geomagnetic disturbances and even the appearance of the aurora borealis.
Bz
Bt
By
Solar wind speed [3 days]
The solar wind is a continuous stream of charged particles emitted from the Sun. Real-time solar wind data come from spacecraft orbiting the L1 Lagrange point, about one and a half million km from Earth in the Sun's direction. The graph shows the solar wind speed values measured over the past 3 days in km/s.
Speed
Hp30 index [3 days]
The geomagnetic Hp30 index is a Kp-like activity index, but with a better temporal resolution (half an hour). These indices are calculated from measurements by geomagnetic observatories located at mid-magnetic latitudes. The local indices calculated from individual stations characterise the deviation from the quiet, normal state, on a quasi-logarithmic scale. Its value is a non-negative number. Values above 4 indicate geomagnetic disturbance. 6 corresponds to moderate, 7 to strong, 8 to severe, 9 and above represent extreme geomagnetic storms.
Hp30
Preliminary Dst index [7 days]
A diagram of the Dst (Disturbance Storm Time) geomagnetic index.
The Dst index is an index of magnetic activity derived from measurements by a network of geomagnetic observatories located near the geomagnetic equator. This index measures the strength of the magnetic field generated by the current of charged particles ("ring current") trapped in the magnetosphere and drifting around the Earth.
The magnetic field generated by the ring current is in the opposite direction to the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field. Accordingly, storm time Dst values are usually negative, meaning that the strength of the Earth's magnetic field decreases during storms.
https://wdc.kugi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dstdir/dst2/onDstindex.html
The Dst index is an index of magnetic activity derived from measurements by a network of geomagnetic observatories located near the geomagnetic equator. This index measures the strength of the magnetic field generated by the current of charged particles ("ring current") trapped in the magnetosphere and drifting around the Earth.
The magnetic field generated by the ring current is in the opposite direction to the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field. Accordingly, storm time Dst values are usually negative, meaning that the strength of the Earth's magnetic field decreases during storms.
https://wdc.kugi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dstdir/dst2/onDstindex.html
Dst