GELLER Labs "Backyard Science"
Thoughts on a proton precession magnetometer design - a Proton Magnetometer Project. Build an Earth's field magnetometer.
The FDM MAGNETOMETER1 project is a low cost high performance proton magnetometer (a digital magnetometer) kit under development for universities and amateur scientists to be able to accurately measure and monitor changes in the Earth's total magnetic F field and to observe geomagnetic storms. Magnetic storms can cause large excursions in the field and are of concern to interests ranging from electrical power grids, radio communications, and satellite operations, to aurora watchers and amateur radio operators.
1 Filter Diagonalization Method "FDM" (harmonic inversion), see Jan 21 and Jan 23 entries, based on: Vladimir A. Mandelshtam, Howard S. Taylor, Harmonic inversion of time signals and its applications, Journal of Chemical Physics (1997), Volume 107, Issue 17, 1997, Pages 6756-6769
(be sure to hit refresh to pick up our latest changes and entries)
References / Links: (this page is new, under construction)
Instrumentation References
We use the Varian/Packard Polarization Field Fast Turn-off Technique: A. Abragam, The Principles of Nuclear Magnetism (Oxford Press, 1961), pages 64-65.
Geomagnetic Indices
K, Kp: Table of the Geomagnetic K index, discusses the K-index, the relationship between K, Kp, and estimated Kp, the relationship between K and A, and the relationship between the NOAA G-scale and Kp. The K index table can be found from the NOAA Boulder Magnetometer webpage, which is linked to the NOAA / Space Weather Prediction Center Space Weather Alerts, Geomagnetic K-indices web page. NOAA magnetic (geomagnetic) storm "G" scale (G1 to G5) definitions. IAGA indices. The NOAA / Space Weather Prediction Center page Advisory Bulletins page looks like a good source for longer term watches, warnings, and predictions of geomagnetic activity. Here is another informative page from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, Top News of the Day. The NOAA pages we have referred to often in the past, the Wing Kp index, the SWN page, the event time line, and especially the Geomagnetic K-indices page (a record of past and averaged activity), appear to be better reports of geomagnetic events after they have started, and less useful for event prediction. Also, you can sign up for NOAA space weather alerts at the NOAA SWPC Product Subscription Service. After you sign up for the email notifications (bottom of the SWN page) be sure to go to the "subscription" page to check off which categories of the many types of notifications that are available that you want to receive (or, you get nothing).
Our local space weather as represented by the total geomagnetic field ("F" scalar) here in upstate, NY, US generally tracks the Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (OTT) station magnetograms (about 200 miles north). The NRCan Current Space Weather page, and the NRCan regional geomagnetic conditions and forecasts for Eastern North America.
IAGA (International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy)
The IAGA publication, Guide for Magnetic Measurements and Observatory Practice by J Jankowski and C Sucksdorff (1996), provides a very informative survey of geomagnetic instrumentation including proton magnetometers. The technical review is clear and concise, albeit now dated as to electronics and signal processing algorithms. It is a must read for those interested in building and operating an amateur geomagnetic observatory.
IAGA Division V, Geomagnetic Observatories, Surveys and Analysis Link
2010 Conference papers / slide shows Link
ISES (The International Space Environment Service)
Aurora Links
OVATION Auroral Forecast, very cool!
Aurora Oval, Space Weather Prediction Center
Aurora Forecast, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mark Haun's optical Aurora Alarm Walla Walla, WA, USA
NMR / MRI Introductory Materials
Most readers of our project will probably want to view this very informative series of You-TubeTM videos by the Magritek Corporation (no affiliation). These videos provide an excellent non-mathematical and very intuitive introduction to basic NMR and MRI principles.
Project Documentation (very early stages)
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/notice of typos, etc. send email to joegeller at gellerlabs dot com
COPYRIGHT © 2009, 2010 JOSEPH M. GELLER, All rights reserved.