Operational Real-time and Forecast USGS Dst

Because the Dst is an indicator of space weather disturbances by the solar wind upon the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system, there is a strong interest for having an operational index based on ground magnetometers located near the equator and/or from LEO satellites such as DMSP or potentially Iridium. However, since the existing Dst index is produced outside the U.S. and its final product availability is unreliable, it cannot be used for USAF operational purposes. Our proposed work will create and provide a U.S.-based real-time Dst index using ground-based magnetometers supplemented with satellite magnetometers. It will be made publicly available in real-time through the USGS. We will use the real-time data to create both Dst and sym-H forecasts for restricted operational use. BENEFIT: This effort will result in a U.S.-based real-time and forecast Dst index. It can be used for USAF operations and for critical U.S. infrastructure operational space weather support. This includes use for commercial aviation HF availability and radiation environment, for LEO satellite operations, and for GEO commercial communication satellite-charging environments.