Using ICON Satellite Data to Forecast Equatorial Ionospheric Instability Throughout 2022

• Published in: Space weather 2024-03, Vol.22 (3), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Hysell, D. L., Kirchman, A., Harding, B. J., Heelis, R. A., England, S. L., Frey, H. U., Mende, S. B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: equatorial ionosphere; forecast; interchange instability; ionospheric irregularities; space weather; spread F
• ISSN: 1542-7390; 1542-7390
• DOI: 10.1029/2023SW003817

Numerical forecasts of plasma convective instability in the postsunset equatorial ionosphere are made based on data from the Ionospheric Connections Explorer satellite (ICON) following the method outlined in a previous study. Data are selected from pairs of successive orbits. Data from the first orbit in the pair are used to initialize and force a numerical forecast simulation, and data from the second orbit are used to validate the results 104 min later. Data from the IVM plasma density and drifts instrument and the MIGHTI red‐line thermospheric winds instrument are used to force the forecast model. Thirteen (16) data set pairs from August (October), 2022, are considered. Forecasts produced one false negative in August and another false negative in October. Possible causes of forecast discrepancies are evaluated including the failure to initialize the numerical simulations with electron density profiles measured concurrently. Volume emission 135.6‐nm OI profiles from the Far Ultraviolet (FUV) instrument on ICON are considered in the evaluation. Plain Language Summary Numerical forecasts of disruptions in the postsunset equatorial ionosphere are made from data from the Ionospheric Connections Explorer (ICON) satellite using the method outlined in a previous study. Data are selected from pairs of successive orbits–the first providing data for the numerical forecast model, and the second providing a means of validation. Specifically, measurements of vertical plasma drifts and horizontal wind profiles are used. Thirteen (16) orbital pairs from August (October) of 2022 are considered. The forecasts were accurate in the main but produced one false negative in August and another false negative in October. Reasons for the forecast discrepancies are analyzed including the failure to include electron density profile measurements in the forecast model initialization. Data from the Far Ultraviolet instrument on Icon are considered in the analysis. Key Points ICON‐based numerical forecasts of plasma convective instability in the equatorial ionosphere extended through 2022 Results mainly consistent with earlier ICON‐based forecasts ICON FUV profiles used to investigate forecast discrepancies further