HamSCI Magnetometer Network for Space Weather Monitoring

Besides auroral observations, magnetic field measurements are one of the traditional ways of observing the space weather phenomena on the ground. To that end, magnetic sensors, “magnetometer”, are typically used for space research. The instrument has a wide range of applications including metal detection, non-contact switch, non-destructive testing, oil/coal exploration, military as well as space research. Magnetometers on the ground provide critical information about how solar activities impact the earth’s magnetic fields (magnetosphere) and ionosphere. In particular, geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) due to temporal changes in magnetic fields (dB/dt) are a very important issue in space weather. A densely-spaced magnetometer array, as proposed in the HamSCI space weather station project, will demonstrate their space weather monitoring capability in unprecedented spatial extent. Here, we propose and compare three types of inexpensive, simple, mid-grade magnetometers utilizing the anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR), magneto-inductive and fluxgate technologies. The proposed magnetometers will be designed to measure large- and medium-scale geomagnetic activities approximately from a few to hundreds of nT. Preliminary prototype test results and their design, fabrication, calibration and installation plans are presented.