A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters reveals new insights into the ionospheric impact of the 2024 Gannon geomagnetic superstorm. Researchers from MIT Haystack Observatory, along with a team of citizen scientists, worked together to analyze data and observations from this event.
The study focused on the effects of the superstorm on the Earth’s ionosphere, specifically the Total Electron Content (TEC) variations. Citizen scientist Daniel Bush recorded and livestreamed the entire auroral event from his amateur observatory in Albany, Missouri. His contributions, along with those of other citizen observers recruited via social media, provided valuable observations to support the TEC measurements made via a dense network of GNSS receivers across the United States.
The researchers used these data to map the auroral effects during the Gannon storm, revealing new insights into the occurrence and evolution of strong auroral displays. The study’s findings validated the TEC mapping technique for detailed auroral studies and provided groundbreaking detection of strong isolated bursts of precipitation-produced ionization associated with rapid intensification and expansion of auroral activity.
The data also showed that intense red auroras were co-located with leading edge equator-ward and westward increasing TEC levels, indicating a cause-and-effect relationship between the geomagnetic superstorm and the ionospheric disturbances. This research has significant implications for our understanding of space weather concerns, particularly for satellite-based communication and navigation systems.
The collaboration between professional scientists and citizen scientists highlights the importance of involving non-professional researchers in scientific investigations. The study demonstrates that collective efforts can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, improving transparency and increasing STEM involvement across diverse groups of people.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-12-citizen-scientists-geomagnetic-superstorm-ionospheric.html