Disturbance storm time index

The disturbance storm time (Dst, Kyoto Dst) index is a measure in the context of space weather. It gives information about the strength of the ring current around Earth caused by solar protons and electrons.^[1]

The ring current around Earth produces a magnetic field that is directly opposite Earth's magnetic field, i.e. if the difference between solar electrons and protons gets higher, then Earth's magnetic field becomes weaker.

A negative Dst value means that Earth's magnetic field is weakened. This is particularly the case during solar storms.

See also

• K-index
• A-index

References

1. ↑ Masters, Jeff. "A future Space Weather catastrophe : a disturbing possibility". Weather Underground. Retrieved 12 March 2012. 

External links

• Dst at NOAA/NGDC
• Dst as part of SWENET Latest Alerts (on ESA's Space Weather Portal)