GEM: Diffuse Aurora Model with Optimal Parameterization

本项目将利用DMSP卫星的数据构建漫射极光的经验模型。利用DMSP数据可以清楚地区分散射极光和离散极光。这可以以自动化的方式完成，允许使用完整的DMSP颗粒沉淀数据库。DMSP数据还将允许建立南半球和北半球的独立模型，并检查在太阳光照和黑暗条件下漫射极光的性质。在NSF支持下建立的耦合函数将作为描述太阳风行星际磁场与磁层耦合的最优参数。一个附加的耦合函数将估计不依赖于行星际磁场的粘性耦合项。所得模型预计能解释数据中2/3以上的方差。该项目将解决的开放科学问题之一是紫外线照射对漫射极光粒子降水的作用。最终的模型将通过一个网站向公众分发。

This project will construct an empirical model of the diffuse aurora using data from the DMSP satellites. By utilizing the DMSP data it is possible to clearly differentiate the diffuse aurora and discrete aurora. This can be done in an automated fashion, allowing the complete DMSP particle precipitation database to be used. The DMSP data will also allow separate models of the southern and northern hemispheres to be constructed and to examine the nature of the diffuse aurora both under solar illumination and in darkness. The coupling function developed under previous NSF support will be utilized as an optimal parameter for describing the coupling between the solar wind interplanetary magnetic field and the magnetosphere. An additional coupling function will estimate the viscous coupling term that does not depend on the interplanetary magnetic field. The resulting model is expected to account for better than 2/3 of the variance in the data. Among the open scientific questions that this project will address is the role of UV insolation on diffuse auroral particle precipitation. The resulting models will be distributed to the public through a web site.