As part of the Space Weather Forecaster Exchange Initiative, the SWOP team has invited three colleagues from the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) to visit the STCE during the first week of May.
Mirjam Kellinsalmi (Space Weather Operator), Elias Hirvonen (Space Weather Operator) and Kaisa Solin (Safety Duty Officer) will present their work during an extra long seminar on Monday May 5.
When: May 5, 14:00
Where: ROB Director’s House
Online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82240500704?pwd=CyTvp8PAo3sDNaJhfIHwfjVuGaTNvc.1
Speaker 1: Elias Hirvonen
Title: Ionosonde Measurements at FMI
Abstract:
The new FMI Ionosonde has recently started its operation. This presentation will provide a brief introduction to the new FMI ionosonde, including its operational principles and our analysis methods. The latest ionograms are presented and a few examples of space weather effects on our measurements are shown. Additionally, we will discuss the real-height analysis using POLAN and introduce a new ray-tracing software, AU-Ray, which we can use to simulate the ionosonde and replace POLAN in real-height analysis.
Speaker 2: Mirjam Kellinsalmi
Title: Ground Effects of Space Weather: Insights from FMI Magnetometer Observations and GIC Modeling
Abstract:
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) operates a network of 12 magnetometer stations spanning a broad latitudinal range—from Tartu, Estonia (58°N) to Kevo, Finland (69°N). This extensive coverage provides vital observations of space weather phenomena, enabling real-time monitoring of geomagnetic activity and forecasting of auroral activity. These observations play a critical role in assessing the risk of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC), which can pose significant threats to power grids and other infrastructure. A key parameter in this assessment is the time derivative of the horizontal geomagnetic field—a widely used proxy for GIC intensity.
In this talk, I’ll offer an overview of what it takes to maintain such a magnetometer network, including the quality control measures that ensure reliable data. I’ll also present highlights from my PhD research, where I use this dataset to model GIC behavior and to improve our understanding of how space weather affects Earth’s infrastructure.
Speaker 3: Kaisa Solin
Title: TBC (on the work of the FMI safety duty officers)
Abstract:
TBC
