Space Weather: Solar + Geomagnetic Indices

A collection of solar indices from Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) Historical SWPC Products and Data Displays spanning 1997-2024Q2. The A-Index and K-Index data is at a 3 hour grain, other indices are collected daily.

Useful for time series analysis and EDA.

Middle Latitude A, High Latitude A, Estimated A: The A index is a daily geomagnetic activity index based on the average of eight 3-hour K indices at a global network of magnetic observatories. The Middle Latitude A, High Latitude A, and Estimated A may represent variations of this index calculated for different regions or using different methods. more info

Middle Latitude K, High Latitude K, Estimated K: Similar to the A index, these columns contain data related to geomagnetic activity, but they represent the K index, which is a quasi-logarithmic index ranging from 0 to 9 representing the maximum fluctuations of horizontal components observed on a magnetometer relative to a quiet day for a given 3-hour interval. Again, the Middle Latitude K, High Latitude K, and Estimated K represent variations of this index calculated for different regions or using different methods. more info

Radio Flux 10.7cm: Data related to solar radio flux at a wavelength of 10.7 centimeters. Solar radio flux measurements are used as a proxy for solar activity, with higher values indicating increased solar activity. more info

Sunspot Number: The sunspot number is a measure of the number of sunspots and sunspot groups visible on the Sun’s surface. Sunspots are areas of intense magnetic activity associated with increased solar activity. more info

Sunspot Area (10^6 Hemis.): Represents the total area covered by sunspots on the Sun’s surface, typically measured in millionths of the solar hemisphere. Larger values indicate more extensive sunspot coverage and increased solar activity. more info

New Regions: Indicates the number of newly emerged sunspot regions observed during a specific time period. New sunspot regions often indicate increased solar activity. more info

Stanford Mean Solar Field (GOES15): This represents data from the Stanford Mean Solar Magnetic Field observations from the GOES-15 satellite. Provides information about the strength and direction of the solar magnetic field. more info

Flares: C, Flares: M, Flares: X, Flares: S, Flares: 1, Flares: 2, Flares: 3: These columns represent the occurrence of solar flares of different magnitudes (C-class, M-class, X-class) and types (S, 1, 2, 3). Solar fares are sudden bursts of energy emitted by the Sun, often accompanied by increased radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. more info