2024/07/22 by Marcin S. Mrozowski, Mrozowski, M. S., A. S. Bell +15 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Atomic Physics (physics.atom-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies #Geophysics (physics.geo-ph) #Geophysics and Gravity Measurements #Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2407.15528
openalex publication_date 2024/07/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Spatial variation in the intensity of magnetospheric and ionospheric fluctuation during solar storms creates ground-induced currents, of importance in both infrastructure engineering and geophysical science. This activity is currently 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.