Date of Award
Spring 4-17-2025
Access Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering Physics
Department
Physical Sciences
Committee Chair
John M. Hughes
First Committee Member
Edwin Mierkiewicz
Second Committee Member
Anatoly V. Streltsov
College Dean
Peter Hoffman
Abstract
Due to complex, multi-region, coupled plasma systems, auroral substorm onsets have been historically difficult to predict. The northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field was considered the primary candidate as an external triggering mechanism for substorm onsets. However, that was later shown to be coincidental in nature. This study is motivated by recent multi-spacecraft observations that show how several magnetosheath jets at the bow shock were heavily correlated to substorm onsets, indicated by a strongly radial IMF interval. In the past, studies have looked at small samples of substorms in order to make large-scale predictions. However in this study, a total of 28 years of solar wind data is analyzed from NASA’s OMNI database to determine if any predictions can be made at all. This thesis investigates statistical differences between parameters before, during, and after substorm onset. This is accomplished using Welch’s t-test to account for differences in distribution means and variances. A time period requirement in-between substorms will also be utilized to show that each parameters’ results are not affected by reoccurring substorms. It is found that Bz, Ey, and |E| are the most significant parameters based off this test.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Francis, Luke H., "Statistical Study of Solar Wind Conditions Prior to Substorm Onsets" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 876.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/876
Included in
Data Science Commons, Engineering Physics Commons, Physical Processes Commons, Plasma and Beam Physics Commons, Probability Commons, Statistical Methodology Commons