The objective of this project is to obtain continuous, global, real-time monitoring of the auroral size, configuration, and dynamics for use in space weather specification and warning systems and for near-term forecasting as an input to global circulation models. The method is based upon the observation that 0.1 - 100 Hz magnetic fluctuations appear to be a good identifier of the auroral oval at satellite altitudes. It may be possible then to utilize non-science grade magnetometers used for attitude determination on the suites of commerical communication and navigation satellites to provide continuous monitoring of the auroral oval. The project will undertake a more thorough investigation of the magnetic fluctuations and will examine test data from the RIDIUM attitude magnetometer to test the efficacy of the proposed method.
