Space weather: A research grand challenge. Professor Jøran Moen (GCI-Cusp project scientist)

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1 Space weather: A research grand challenge Professor Jøran Moen (GCI-Cusp project scientist) Birkeland Space Weather Symposium 15 JUNE 2017

2 Outline: Space weather phenomena in cusp Research Grand Challenges to go from observation to prediction The GCI Cusp Rocket project - approach

3 What is Cusp? It is an energy channel from space down to Earth SOLAS ATMOSFÆRE KOBLER TIL JORDAS ATMOSFÆRE

4 The magnetic cusps form when IMF connects to the Earth s Magnetic field

5 Svalbard is the only place in the world where we can study cusp simultaneously by optics, by radars and in-situ by sounding rockets.

6 Space Weather Phenomena in Cusp: Two examples: 1: Satellite Drag 2: GNSS and radio communication disturbances

7 Example 1 : ion heating upflow satellite Rapid changes.

8 NOTE: In order to explore we have to launch rockets on minute events in the cusp region Moen et al., GRL, 2004

9 Processes of ion outflows Adiabatic propagation outflow + Diverging magnetic field converts V- perp to V-parallel Transverse acceleration by plasma waves + Grand Challenge: Transverse Accleration Region ~ km Heating, diffusion up field line upflow Dense Ionosphere ~400 km Courtesy: Jim LaBelle

10 Example 2: GPS Space weather forecasts Space weather effects: Ionospheric irregularities degrade GPS signal quality Societal impacts: Variability in GPS position accuracy and fall out of services The user needs: Forecasts about POSITIONING ACCURACY, signal INTEGRITY, and service CONTINUITY. We need a explore the multiscale physical processes in order to develop physics based forecast models

11 The strongest GPS scintillations occur when polar cap patches enters the polar cap through the dayside auroral oval, and exits the polar cap through the nightside auroral oval. Clausen et al., JGR, doi: /2015JA022199, 2016

12 The strongest GPS scintillations occur when polar cap patches enters the polar cap through the dayside auroral oval, and exits the polar cap through the nightside auroral oval., Clausen et al., JGR, doi: /2015JA022199, 2016

13 GPS scintillations Day : 10% of the time Night 0.1% of the time Figure: Polar dial plots show the occurrence rate of GPS scintillations observed at Ny-Ålesund (σ ϕ from (a) [0.1, 0.25] rad og (c) 0.5 rad) Jin et al., JGR, 2015

14 Oksavik et al., JGR, 2015 Cusp reconnection events

15 Grand Challenge Questions: Develop a physical descriptions of key processes wave particle heating processes plasma turbulence Multi-scale physics

16 Global-scale ionospheric convection monitored by SuperDARN EISCAT Svalbard Radar

17 Zoom in Meso-scale by EISCAT radar Positive ion l.o.s velocities [m/s] are directed away from the ESR A Reversed Flow Event is an elongated segment of enhanced ion flow in the opposite direction of the background flow

18 Zoom in to small scale by rockets: EISCAT Svalbard Radar ICI-3 flow data GCI: How long-lived are these fine structures?

19 GCI - missions April 20th NLP status

20 ICI-5 The Investigation of Cusp Irregularities (ICI) Rocket Program A space weather rocket program Payload : Length: 2.9 meter Weight : 140 kg Apogee : ~350 km Flight time : 10 min

21 3D measurement of plasma turbulence (ICI-5) 4DSpace section invented by Andøya Space Center

22 The GCI- cusp concept Coordination: Combine several independent rocket missions Several rockets at a time to obtain spatial and temporal coverage Engage with the larger community Invite new partners to help fulfil the GCI-Cusp science objectives by contributing with groundbased observations, satellite observations, theory, or modeling

23 Joint Statement of Scientific Coordination signed 6 April 2017 in Tokyo The GCI-Cusp partners will develop a plan to make data publicly available to promote the peaceful exploration of the Earth s space environment.

24 Thanks to Birkeland for getting us together to discuss challenges and future opportunities and develop further collaborations internationally April 20th NLP status