Magnetic pulsations explained

Magnetic pulsations are extremely low frequency disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere driven by its interactions with the solar wind.^[1] These variations in the planet's magnetic field can oscillate for multiple hours when a solar wind driving force strikes a resonance.^[2] This is a form of Kelvin–Helmholtz instability.^[1] The intensity, frequency, and orientation of these variations is measured by Intermagnet.^[2]

In 1964, the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) proposed a classification of magnetic pulsations into continuous pulsations (Pc) and irregular pulsations (Pi).^{[1] [3]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Magnetic pulsations . 2021-01-20.
2. Web site: A MUSICAL NOTE FROM THE MAGNETOSPHERE . High above the Arctic Circle in Lofoten, Norway, citizen scientist Rob Stammes operates a space weather monitoring station. His sensors detect ground currents, auroras, radio bursts, and disturbances in Earth's magnetic field. Yesterday, he says, "I received a musical note from the magnetosphere.".
3. 10.1007/s10712-005-1758-7 . McPherron, R.L. . Magnetic Pulsations: Their Sources and Relation to Solar Wind and Geomagnetic Activity . Surv Geophys . 26 . 545–592 . 2005 . 5 . 2005SGeo...26..545M . 122004707 .