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Near Real Time Data Uses for Earth Science and Space Weather Applications Victoria Wolf and Donald Hampton, UAF Geophysical Institute ABSTRACT Magnetometer data from eight remote stations across Alaska have been collected continuously since the early 1980’s by the Geophysical Institute Magnetometer Array (GIMA). These three-axis, 1Hz data, with ~ 1 nT precision, are used to determine the currents associated with auroral activity in the Alaska polar regions. A primary function of the GIMA is to supply magnetic field deflection data in real time to researchers so they can determine when to launch a sub-orbital sounding rocket from the Poker Flat Research Range into the proper auroral conditions. The aurora is a key coupling mechanism between the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere, and the magnetometers are used to remotely sense the ionospheric currents associated with aurora. The real-time magnetometer data are displayed through a web-based interface that functions on desktop and mobile devices. The displays are highly configurable to allow researchers the flexibility to interpret the magnetic signature they need to make a successful launch decision. The data are also available for download within 24 hours of collection. The existence of real-time data has been and will continue to be critical for successful rocket launches, however the real-time system needs to improve to meet the ever growing needs of the user community. Planned upgrades will improve the reliability and resolution of the displays as well as the ease of data download, and integration into NASA virtual observatories. The Real-Time interface for viewing the data stream from the 6 magnetometer sites that push data in real-time to the Geophysical Institute. The interface allows the user to configure which sites are viewed, the time span covered by the data, the scale and the traces displayed. The data readings from the sites are also viewable as points in time rather than graphically through the Live Alaska Data page. The Geophysical Institute Magnetometer Array has been collecting data since the early 1980’s. Data collected since the late 1990’s is available digitally through the Web site. Daily plots are available to browse the data. The values are available in netCDF files that are available for download. The currently active sites are available as well as archived data from sites that are no longer functioning. Alaska aurora photos by Bud Kuenzli and reproduced with his permission Rocket shot from Poker Flat Research Range, operated by the Geophysical Institute. Rocket shot from Poker Flat Research Range, operated by the Geophysical Institute. Scan the code and go to the GIMA website, or type http://www.asf.alaska.edu/program/gdc/project/magnetometer into your browser.
