New Methodology Enhances Thermospheric Density Estimates During Geomagnetic Storms

Recent research has introduced a new methodology for generating low-latency, high-resolution thermospheric density estimates using publicly available Low Earth Orbit (LEO) spacecraft ephemerides. This approach aims to fill a significant gap in the data available during geomagnetic storms, which are critical periods for satellite operations. The study, titled "Near-Real Time Thermospheric Density Retrieval from Precise Low Earth Orbit Spacecraft Ephemerides During Geomagnetic Storms," was authored by Charles Constant, Santosh Bhattarai, Indigo Brownhall, Anasuya Aruliah, and Marek Ziebart.

The authors highlight that their method outperforms existing density retrieval techniques and operational models in terms of accuracy. Specifically, it surpasses Energy Dissipation Rate-Type density retrieval techniques and three widely used operational density models: EDR, JB2008, and DTM2000. The study demonstrates the methodology's effectiveness by reconstructing density profiles along the orbits of three LEO satellites during 80 geomagnetic storms, showcasing high spatial and temporal resolution compared to traditional models.

The findings suggest that the increasing availability of precise orbit determination data could significantly enhance data assimilative thermospheric models. This improvement is expected to benefit both satellite operations and thermospheric modeling efforts, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of atmospheric dynamics during geomagnetic events. The research provides a valuable resource for the satellite operations and thermosphere communities, addressing a critical need for accurate density estimates during storm conditions.

For further details, the paper can be accessed at arXiv:2408.16805.