Data Products: Geomagnetic Field

GOES-16 outboard Magnetometer data from December 22, 2016, shows a plasma wave.
GOES-16 outboard Magnetometer data from December 22, 2016, shows a plasma wave.

The Earth’s geomagnetic field surrounds the Earth and protects it from dangerous solar radiation. The geomagnetic field product monitors changes in the Earth’s geomagnetic field in three-dimensional space. These measurements are used to determine when magnetopause crossings occur, which is important sign of the arrival of some major space weather events, such as coronal mass ejections. Such massive events can cause geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in power grids, resulting in power outages. Because the magnetic field is used by the attitude control system of some satellites, these crossings are a sign that those satellites could experience issues as well. This product helps detect geomagnetic storms and sub-storms, providing early warnings to power and communication services.