Interoperable Database for Citizen Science Observations of STEVE

Abstract

Days with STEVE observations per year for the Southern Hemisphere, North America, and EuropeThe monthly observation rates show seasonal variations similar to those known for at least intense geomagnetic storms and SAIDs. However, STEVE is not coupled to geomagnetic storms but to substorm activity and fast SAIDs and can occur under conditions where the DST index is close to zero e.g., in the case of the impressive STEVE observed over Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada on 29/30 August 2022.The ratio of days with STEVE observations in the equinox months (March, April, September, and October) and the days with STEVE observations in the solstice months (June, July, December, and January) is ~4, comparable with the analog ratio for SAIDs reported by He et al. (2014). The analog ratio of geomagnetic storms (1957-2008) with DSTp ≤ -100 nT is ~2.3 (Echer et al., 2011). The rate of STEVE observations and SAIDs per month both show a deep December minimum that is less pronounced for geomagnetic storms with DSTp ≤ -100 nT.

Early Ground‐Based Work by Auroral Pioneer Carl Størmer on the High‐Altitude Detached Subauroral Arcs Now Known as “STEVE”

“…A possible explanation for the reported bars that form another band south of the band is a "picket fence" composed of multiple ray-like substructures. Also, discrete substructures in STEVE arcs are documented with a distinct east to west drift in naked-eye or camera-documented observations in case of sub-1 s exposure times (Hunnekuhl et al, 2019). Discrete E-W drifting substructures in STEVE arcs are a possible interpretation of the reported bars that crossed the band.…”

Agile collaboration: Citizen science as a transdisciplinary approach to heliophysics

“…The identification of STEVE led to increased scientific interest, and in particular, the involvement of aurora chasers in formal research projects (e.g., Archer et al, 2019;Martinis et al, 2022;Nishimura et al, 2022). One of the simplest ways aurora chasers can directly contribute to discovery is through the submission of their photos, which can then be analyzed by scientists (e.g., Hunnekuhl et al, 2021). These citizen scientists are highly experienced at recognizing abnormal conditions, and thus frequently document previously unknown or understudied auroral phenomena (e.g., Dunes Aurora; Palmroth et al, 2019).…”