Global Prompt Proton Sensor Network: Monitoring Solar Energetic Protons Based on GPS Satellite Constellation
Energetic particle instruments on board Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites form a powerful global prompt proton sensor network (GPPSn) that provides an unprecedented opportunity to monitor and characterize solar energetic protons targeting the Earth. The medium-Earth orbits of the GPS constellation have the unique advantage of allowing solar energetic protons to be simultaneously measured from multiple points in both open- and closed-field line regions. Examining two example intervals of solar proton events, we showcase in this study how GPS proton data are prepared, calibrated, and utilized to reveal important features of solar protons, including their source, acceleration/scattering by interplanetary shocks, the relative position of Earth when impinged by these shocks, the shape of solar particle fronts, the access of solar protons inside the dynamic geomagnetic field, and temporally varying proton distributions in both energy and space. By comparing to Van Allen Probes data, GPS proton observations are further demonstrated not only to be useful for qualitatively monitoring the dynamics of solar protons but also for quantitative scientific research including determining cutoff L-shells. Finally, our results establish that this GPPSn can join forces with other existing solar proton monitors and contribute to observing, warning, understanding, and ultimately forecasting the incoming solar energetic proton events.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
- Grant/Contract Number:
- 89233218CNA000001; 20190262ER
- OSTI ID:
- 1623432
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1605944
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-19-31569
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics, Vol. 125, Issue 3; ISSN 2169-9380
- Publisher:
- American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
Similar Records
The Global Positioning System constellation as a space weather monitor. Comparison of electron measurements with Van Allen Probes data
Outer Radiation Belt Flux and Phase Space Density Response to Sheath Regions: Van Allen Probes and GPS Observations