SOLAR STORM INDEX

SOLAR STORM INDEX

An index method has been developed to estimate the expected level of solar activity. The method depends upon knowledge of the speed of the solar wind and the proton density. Both of these values are readily available from the home page of www. spaceweather.com, now linked into this site. The index is hopefully relatively easy to use, and should be able to provide the user with an estimate of solar activity and the potential subsequent influence upon the earth in terms of solar storms, auroras, and magnetic disturbance. The effects upon the earth would be expected approximately 3-4 days after solar flares and coronal mass ejections occur and as they may be indicated through this index value. A value of zero or less indicates solar activity is normal and a value of approaching 100+ indicates high solar activity.