Distributed network of optically pumped magnetometers for space weather monitoring

Mrozowski, Marcin S. and Bell, Angus S. and Griffin, Paul F. and Hunter, Dominic and Burt, David and McGilligan, James P. and Riis, Erling and Beggan, Ciarán D. and Ingleby, Stuart J. (2024) Distributed network of optically pumped magnetometers for space weather monitoring. Scientific Reports, 14. 28229. ISSN 2045-2322 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79841-x)

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Abstract

Spatial variation in the intensity of magnetospheric and ionospheric fluctuations during solar storms creates ground-induced currents, of importance in both infrastructure engineering and geophysical science. This activity is presently measured using a network of ground-based magnetometers, typically consisting of extensive installations at established observatory sites. We show that this network can be enhanced by the addition of remote quantum magnetometers which combine high sensitivity with intrinsic calibration. These nodes utilize scalable hardware and run independently of wired communication and power networks. We demonstrate that optically pumped magnetometers, utilizing mass-produced and miniaturized components, offer a single scalable sensor with the sensitivity and stability required for space weather observation. We describe the development and deployment of an off-grid magnetic sensing node, powered by a solar panel, present observed data from periods of low and high geomagnetic activity, and compare it to existing geomagnetic observatories.

ORCID iDs

Mrozowski, Marcin S., Bell, Angus S., Griffin, Paul F. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0134-7554, Hunter, Dominic ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4177-6027, Burt, David, McGilligan, James P. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6514-9696, Riis, Erling ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3225-5302, Beggan, Ciarán D. and Ingleby, Stuart J. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7473-9949;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)