Articles | Volume 32, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-32-75-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-32-75-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
25 Mar 2025
Research article |
| 25 Mar 2025
| 25 Mar 2025
NORAD tracking of the 2022 February Starlink satellites and the immediate loss of 32 satellites
Fernando L. Guarnieri
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Bruce T. Tsurutani
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
retired
Rajkumar Hajra
CAS Key Laboratory of Geospace Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
Ezequiel Echer
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Gurbax S. Lakhina
Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, IIG/UAS, Navi Mumbai, India
retired
Related authors
Fernando L. Guarnieri, Bruce T. Tsurutani, Luis E. A. Vieira, Rajkumar Hajra, Ezequiel Echer, Anthony J. Mannucci, and Walter D. Gonzalez
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 25, 67–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-25-67-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-25-67-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
In this work we developed a method to obtain a time series named as AE* which is well correlated with the geomagnetic AE index. In this process, wavelet filtering is applied to interplanetary solar wind data from spacecrafts around the L1 libration point. This geomagnetic indicator AE* can be obtained well before the AE index release in its final form, and it can be used to feed models for geomagnetic effects, such as the relativistic electrons, giving forecasts ~ 1 to 2 days in advance.
Adriane Marques de Souza Franco, Rajkumar Hajra, Ezequiel Echer, and Mauricio José Alves Bolzan
Ann. Geophys., 39, 929–943, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-929-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-929-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We used up-to-date substorms, HILDCAAs and geomagnetic storms of varying intensity along with all available geomagnetic indices during the space exploration era to explore the seasonal features of the geomagnetic activity and their drivers. As substorms, HILDCAAs and magnetic storms of varying intensity have varying solar/interplanetary drivers, such a study is important for acomplete understanding of the seasonal features of the geomagnetic response to the solar/interplanetary events.
Katharina Ostaszewski, Karl-Heinz Glassmeier, Charlotte Goetz, Philip Heinisch, Pierre Henri, Sang A. Park, Hendrik Ranocha, Ingo Richter, Martin Rubin, and Bruce Tsurutani
Ann. Geophys., 39, 721–742, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-721-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-721-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Plasma waves are an integral part of cometary physics, as they facilitate the transfer of energy and momentum. From intermediate to strong activity, nonlinear asymmetric plasma and magnetic field enhancements dominate the inner coma of 67P/CG. We present a statistical survey of these structures from December 2014 to June 2016, facilitated by Rosetta's unprecedented long mission duration. Using a 1D MHD model, we show they can be described as a combination of nonlinear and dissipative effects.
Rajkumar Hajra
Ann. Geophys., 39, 181–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-181-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-181-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Geomagnetic activity is known to exhibit semi-annual variation with larger occurrences during equinoxes. A similar seasonal feature was reported for relativistic (∼ MeV) electrons throughout the entire outer zone radiation belt. Present work, for the first time reveals that electron fluxes increase with an ∼ 6-month periodicity in a limited L-shell only with large dependence in solar activity cycle. In addition, flux enhancements are not essentially equinoctial.
Bruce T. Tsurutani, Gurbax S. Lakhina, and Rajkumar Hajra
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 27, 75–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-27-75-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-27-75-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Current space weather problems are discussed for young researchers. We have discussed some of the major problems that need to be solved for space weather forecasting to become a reality.
Adriane Marques de Souza Franco, Ezequiel Echer, and Mauricio José Alves Bolzan
Ann. Geophys., 37, 919–929, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-919-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-919-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The wavelet transform was employed in nine HILDCAA events for intervals in which the Cluster crossed the magnetotail in order to identify the most energetic periods of these events in the magnetotail. It was seen that 76 % of the periods identified are ≤4 h. Using the cross wavelet analysis technique between Bz–IMF components and the Bx geomagnetic components, it was identified that the coupling of energy is stronger in periods between 2 and 4 h, which are typical substorm periods.
Anthony J. Mannucci, Ryan McGranaghan, Xing Meng, Bruce T. Tsurutani, and Olga P. Verkhoglyadova
Ann. Geophys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2019-108, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2019-108, 2019
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
The interaction between the Earth's environment and the electrically charged gas known as the solar wind is highly complex and has been under study for decades. We use a universal principle of physics – the relativity principle – to gain physical insight into this interaction. We apply this principle to physical processes that occur during geomagnetic storms. We clarify how the solar wind ultimately causes currents to flow between the Earth's upper atmosphere and space.
Gurbax S. Lakhina, Bruce T. Tsurutani, George J. Morales, Annick Pouquet, Masahiro Hoshino, Juan Alejandro Valdivia, Yasuhito Narita, and Roger Grimshaw
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 25, 477–479, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-25-477-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-25-477-2018, 2018
Adriane Marques de Souza, Ezequiel Echer, Mauricio José Alves Bolzan, and Rajkumar Hajra
Ann. Geophys., 36, 205–211, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-205-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-205-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Cross-wavelet and classical cross-correlation analyses were used in order to study solar-wind–magnetosphere coupling during HILDCAAs. Cross-correlation analyses results show that the coupling between the solar wind and the magnetosphere during HILDCAAs occurs mainly in the period ≤ 8 h. Classical correlation analysis indicates that the correlation between IMF Bz and AE may be classified as moderate (0.4–0.7) and that more than 80 % of the HILDCAAs exhibit a lag of 20–30 min.
Fernando L. Guarnieri, Bruce T. Tsurutani, Luis E. A. Vieira, Rajkumar Hajra, Ezequiel Echer, Anthony J. Mannucci, and Walter D. Gonzalez
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 25, 67–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-25-67-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-25-67-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
In this work we developed a method to obtain a time series named as AE* which is well correlated with the geomagnetic AE index. In this process, wavelet filtering is applied to interplanetary solar wind data from spacecrafts around the L1 libration point. This geomagnetic indicator AE* can be obtained well before the AE index release in its final form, and it can be used to feed models for geomagnetic effects, such as the relativistic electrons, giving forecasts ~ 1 to 2 days in advance.
Gurbax S. Lakhina and Bruce T. Tsurutani
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 24, 745–750, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-745-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-745-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
A preliminary estimate of the drag force per unit mass on typical low-Earth-orbiting satellites moving through the ionosphere during Carrington-type super magnetic storms is calculated by a simple first-order model which takes into account the ion-neutral drag between the upward-moving oxygen ions and O neutral atoms. It is shown that oxygen ions and atoms can be uplifted to 850 km altitude, where they produce about 40 times more satellite drag per unit mass than normal.
Odim Mendes, Margarete Oliveira Domingues, Ezequiel Echer, Rajkumar Hajra, and Varlei Everton Menconi
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 24, 407–417, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-407-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-407-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The effects of the Sun upon the Earth's atmosphere occur in several ways. Significant electrodynamic coupling processes transfer particles and energy from the solar wind into the Earth's environment. Applied to the dynamical characteristics of high-intensity, long-duration, continuous auroral activity (HILDCAA) and non-HILDCAA events, nonlinear analysis tools like RQA aid to unravel peculiarities related to two concurrent space mechanisms known as magnetic reconnection and viscous interaction.
Ezequiel Echer, Axel Korth, Mauricio José Alves Bolzan, and Reinhard Hans Walter Friedel
Ann. Geophys., 35, 853–868, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-853-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-853-2017, 2017
Martin Volwerk, Daniel Schmid, Bruce T. Tsurutani, Magda Delva, Ferdinand Plaschke, Yasuhito Narita, Tielong Zhang, and Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 34, 1099–1108, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1099-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1099-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The behaviour of mirror mode waves in Venus's magnetosheath is investigated for solar minimum and maximum conditions. It is shown that the total observational rate of these waves does not change much; however, the distribution over the magnetosheath is significantly different, as well as the growth and decay of the waves during these different solar activity conditions.
Ingo Richter, Hans-Ulrich Auster, Gerhard Berghofer, Chris Carr, Emanuele Cupido, Karl-Heinz Fornaçon, Charlotte Goetz, Philip Heinisch, Christoph Koenders, Bernd Stoll, Bruce T. Tsurutani, Claire Vallat, Martin Volwerk, and Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 34, 609–622, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-609-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-609-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We have analysed the magnetic field measurements performed on the ROSETTA orbiter and the lander PHILAE during PHILAE's descent to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko on 12 November 2014. We observed a new type of low-frequency wave with amplitudes of ~ 3 nT, frequencies of 20–50 mHz, wavelengths of ~ 300 km, and propagation velocities of ~ 6 km s−1. The waves are generated in a ~ 100 km region around the comet a show a highly correlated behaviour, which could only be determined by two-point observations.
M. Volwerk, I. Richter, B. Tsurutani, C. Götz, K. Altwegg, T. Broiles, J. Burch, C. Carr, E. Cupido, M. Delva, M. Dósa, N. J. T. Edberg, A. Eriksson, P. Henri, C. Koenders, J.-P. Lebreton, K. E. Mandt, H. Nilsson, A. Opitz, M. Rubin, K. Schwingenschuh, G. Stenberg Wieser, K. Szegö, C. Vallat, X. Vallieres, and K.-H. Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 34, 1–15, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The solar wind magnetic field drapes around the active nucleus of comet 67P/CG, creating a magnetosphere. The solar wind density increases and with that the pressure, which compresses the magnetosphere, increasing the magnetic field strength near Rosetta. The higher solar wind density also creates more ionization through collisions with the gas from the comet. The new ions are picked-up by the magnetic field and generate mirror-mode waves, creating low-field high-density "bottles" near 67P/CG.
I. Richter, C. Koenders, H.-U. Auster, D. Frühauff, C. Götz, P. Heinisch, C. Perschke, U. Motschmann, B. Stoll, K. Altwegg, J. Burch, C. Carr, E. Cupido, A. Eriksson, P. Henri, R. Goldstein, J.-P. Lebreton, P. Mokashi, Z. Nemeth, H. Nilsson, M. Rubin, K. Szegö, B. T. Tsurutani, C. Vallat, M. Volwerk, and K.-H. Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 33, 1031–1036, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-1031-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-1031-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We present a first report on magnetic field measurements made in the coma of comet 67P/C-G in its low-activity state. The plasma environment is dominated by quasi-coherent, large-amplitude, compressional magnetic field oscillations around 40mHz, differing from the observations at strongly active comets where waves at the cometary ion gyro-frequencies are the main feature. We propose a cross-field current instability associated with the newborn cometary ions as a possible source mechanism.
B. T. Tsurutani, R. Hajra, E. Echer, and J. W. Gjerloev
Ann. Geophys., 33, 519–524, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-519-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-519-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Particularly intense substorms (SSS), brilliant auroral displays with strong >106A currents in the ionosphere, are studied. It is believed that these SSS events cause power outages during magnetic storms. It is shown that SSS events can occur during all intensity magnetic storms; thus power problems are not necessarily restricted to the rare most intense storms. We show four SSS events that are triggered by solar wind pressure pulses. If this is typical, ~30-minute warnings could be issued.
B. T. Tsurutani, A. J. Mannuccci, O. P. Verkhoglyadova, and G. S. Lakhina
Ann. Geophys., 31, 145–150, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-145-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-145-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Time series, machine learning, networks, stochastic processes, extreme events | Topic: Ionosphere, magnetosphere, planetary science, solar science | Techniques: Theory
Quantification of magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling timescales using mutual information: response of terrestrial radio emissions and ionospheric–magnetospheric currents
Nonlinear vortex solution for perturbations in the Earth's ionosphere
The physics of space weather/solar-terrestrial physics (STP): what we know now and what the current and future challenges are
Alexandra Ruth Fogg, Caitríona M. Jackman, Sandra C. Chapman, James E. Waters, Aisling Bergin, Laurent Lamy, Karine Issautier, Baptiste Cecconi, and Xavier Bonnin
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 31, 195–206, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-31-195-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-31-195-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) is a radio emission emitted by Earth. Due to the complex mixture of phenomena in the magnetosphere, it is tricky to estimate the time difference between the excitation of two systems. In this study, AKR is compared with indices describing Earth's system. Time differences between the excitation of AKR and the indices are estimated using mutual information. AKR feels an enhancement before the aurora but after more polar latitude features.
Miroslava Vukcevic and Luka Č. Popović
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 27, 295–306, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-27-295-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-27-295-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The soliton vortex two-dimensional solution has been derived for the ionosphere. Why are solitons so important? The advantage of an analytical soliton solution is its localization in space and time as a consequence of balance between nonlinearity and dispersion. One very good example of the balance between nonlinear and dispersive effects is tsunami, a surface gravity one-dimensional wave that can propagate with constant velocity and constant amplitude when it is assured by a parameter regime.
Bruce T. Tsurutani, Gurbax S. Lakhina, and Rajkumar Hajra
Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 27, 75–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-27-75-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-27-75-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Current space weather problems are discussed for young researchers. We have discussed some of the major problems that need to be solved for space weather forecasting to become a reality.
Cited articles
Akasofu, S. I.: The development of the auroral substorm, Planet. Space Sci., 12, 273–282, https://doi.org/10.1016/0032-0633(64)90151-5, 1964.
Anderson, K. A.: Soft radiation events at high altitude during the magnetic storm of August 29–30, 1957, Phys. Rev., 111, 1397–1405, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.111.1397, 1958.
Araki, T.: A Physical Model of the Geomagnetic Sudden Commencement, in: Solar Wind Sources of Magnetospheric Ultra-Low-Frequency Waves, edited by: Engebretson, M. J., Takahashi, K., and Scholer, M., Geophysical Monograph Series, AGU, https://doi.org/10.1029/GM081p0183, 1994.
Burlaga, L., Sittler, E., Mariani, F., and Schwenn, R.: Magnetic loop behind an interplanetary shock: Voyager, Helios, and IMP 8 observations, J. Geophys. Res., 86, 6673–6684, https://doi.org/10.1029/JA086iA08p06673, 1981.
Burlaga, L., Fitzenreiter, R., Lepping, R., Ogilvie, K., Szabo, A., Lazarus, A., Steinberg, J., Gloeckler, G., Howard, R. A., Michels, D., Farrugia, C., Lin, R. P., and Larson, D. E.: A magnetic cloud containing prominence material: January 1997, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 103, 277–285, https://doi.org/10.1029/97JA02768, 1998.
Carlson, C. W., McFadden, J. P., Ergun, R. E., Temerin, M., Peria, W., Mozer, F. S., Klumpar, D. M., Shelley, E. G., Peterson, W. K., Moebius, E., Elphic, R., Strangeway, R., Cattell, C., and Pfaff, R.: FAST observations in the downward auroral current region: Energetic upgoing electron beams, parallel potential drops, and ion heating, Geophys. Res. Lett., 25, 2017–2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/98GL00851, 1998.
Clark, S.: SpaceX launches third Falcon 9 rocket mission in three days, Spaceflight Now, published on 3 February 2022, https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/02/03/spacex-launches-third-falcon-9-rocket-mission-in-three-days/ (last access: 20 March 2024), 2022a.
Clark, S.: Solar storm dooms up to 40 new Starlink satellites, Spaceflight Now, published on 8 February 2022, https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/02/08/solar-storm-dooms-40-new-starlink-satellites (last access: 20 March 2024), 2022b.
Dang, T., Li, X., Luo, B., Li, R., Zhang, B., Pham, K., Ren, D., Chen, X., Lei, J., and Wang, Y.: Unveiling the space weather during the Starlink Satellites destruction event on 4 February 2022, Space Weather., 20, e2022SW003152, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022SW003152, 2022.
DeForest, S. E. and McIlwain, C. E.: Plasma clouds in the magnetosphere, J. Geophys. Res., 76, 16, 3587–3611, 1971.
Dungey, J. W.: Interplanetary magnetic field and the auroral zones, Phys. Rev. Lett., 6, 47–48, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.6.47, 1961.
Echer, E., Gonzalez, W. D., Tsurutani, B. T., and Gonzalez, A. L. C.: Interplanetary conditions causing intense geomagnetic storms (Dst ≤ −100 nT) during solar cycle 23 (1996–2006), J. Geophys. Res., 113, A05221, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JA012744, 2008.
Fang, T.-W., Kubaryk, A., Goldstein, D., Li, Z., Fuller-Rowell, T., Millward, G., Singer, H. J., Steenburgh, R., Westerman, S., and Babcock, E.: Space weather environment during the SpaceX Starlink satellite loss in February 2022, Space Weather, 20, e2022SW003193, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022SW003193, 2022.
Fiori, R. A. D., Boteler, D. H., and Gillies, D. M.: Assessment of GIC risk due to geomagnetic sudden commencements and identification of the current systems responsible, Space Weather, 12, 76–91, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013SW000967, 2014.
Fuller-Rowell, T. J., R. Akmaev, F. Wu, A. Anghel, N. Maruyama, D. N. Anderson, M. V. Codrescu, M. Iredell, S. Moorthi, H.-M. Juang, Y.-T. Hou, and Millward, G.: Impact of terrestrial weather on the upper atmosphere, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L09808, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL032911, 2008.
Gonzalez, W. D., Joselyn, J. A., Kamide, Y., Kroehl, H. W., Rostoker, G., Tsurutani, B. T., and Vasyliunas, V. M.: What is a geomagnetic storm?, J. Geophys. Res., 99, 5571–5792, https://doi.org/10.1029/93JA02867, 1994.
Gopalswamy, N.: The Dynamics of Eruptive Prominences, in: Solar Prominences, Astrophysics and Space Science Library, Volume 415, edited by: Vial, J.-C. and Engvold, O., Springer International Publishing, Cham, Switzerland, 381–409, ISBN 978-3-319-10416-4, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10416-4, 2015.
Gopalswamy, N.: The Sun and Space Weather, Atmosphere, 13, 1781, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13111781, 2022.
Gopalswamy, N., Hanaoka, Y., Kosugi, T., Lepping, R. P., Steinberg, J. T., Plunkett, S., Howard, R. A., Thompson, B. J., Gur man, J., Ho, G., Nitta, N., and Hudson, H. S.: On the relationship between coronal mass ejections and magnetic clouds, Geophys. Res. Lett., 25, 2485–2488, 1998.
Hosokawa, K., Kullen, A., Milan, S., Reidy, J., Zou, Y., Frey, H. U., Maggiolo, R., and Fear, R.: Aurora in the Polar Cap: A Review, Space Sci. Rev., 216, 15, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-0637-3, 2020.
Illing, R. M. E. and Hundhausen, A. J.: Disruption of a coronal streamer by an eruptive prominence and coronal mass ejection. Journal of Geophysical Research, 91., 10951pp, https://doi.org/10.1029/ja091ia10p10951, 1986.
Joselyn, J. A. and Tsurutani, B. T.: Geomagnetic Sudden Impulses and Storm Sudden Commencements – A Note on Terminology, EOS, 71, 47, 1808–1809, 1990.
Kakoti, G., Bagiya, M. S., Laskar, F. I., and Lin, D.: Unveiling the combined effects of neutral dynamics and electrodynamic forcing on dayside ionosphere during the 3–4 February 2022 “SpaceX” geomagnetic storms, Nature Sci. Repts., 13, 18932, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45900-y, 2023.
Kozyra, J. U., Manchester, W. B., Escoubet, C. P., Lepri, S. T., Liemohn, M. W., Gonzalez, W. D., Thomsen, M. W., and Tsurutani, B. T.: Earth's collision with a solar filament on 21 January 2005: Overview, J. Geophys. Res.-Space, 118, 5967–5978, 2013.
Lakhina, G. S. and Tsurutani, B. T.: Satellite drag effects due to uplifted oxygen neutrals during super magnetic storms, Nonlin. Processes Geophys., 24, 745–750, https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-745-2017, 2017.
Lepri, S. T. and Zurbuchen, T. H.: Direct observational evidence of filament material within interplanetary coronal mass ejections, Astrophys. J. Lett., 723, L22–L27, 2010.
Lühr, H., Schlegel, K., Araki, T., Rother, M., and Förster, M.: Night-time sudden commencements observed by CHAMP and ground-based magnetometers and their relationship to solar wind parameters, Ann. Geophys., 27, 1897–1907, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-27-1897-2009, 2009.
Manley, S.: How Do Starlink Satellites Navigate To Their Final Operational Orbits, Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIQr1UyhwWk (last access: 20 March 2024), 2021.
Marubashi, K., Akiyama, S., Yashiro, S., Gopalswamy, N., Cho, K.-S., and Park, Y.-D.: Geometrical Relationship between Interplanetary Flux Ropes and Their Solar Sources, Sol. Phys., 290, 1371–1397, 2015.
McDowell, J.: Jonathan's Space Pages, https://planet4589.org (last access: 20 March 2024), 2023.
NOAA: GOES X-Ray Flux, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Space Weather Prediction Center, https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/goes-x-ray-flux (last access: 20 March 2024), 2022.
Oliveira, D. and Samsonov, A.: Geoeffectiveness of interplanetary shocks controlled by impact angles: A review, Adv. Space Res., 61, 1–44, https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ASR.2017.10.006, 2018.
Papitashvili, N. E. and King, J. H.: OMNI 1-min Data, NASA Space Physics Data Facility [data set], https://doi.org/10.48322/45bb-8792, 2020.
Paschmann, G., Sonnerup, B. U. Ö., Papamastorakis, I., Sckopke, N., Haerendel, G., Bame, S. J., Asbridge, J. R., Gosling, J. T., Russell, C. T., and Elphic, R. C.: Plasma acceleration at the Earth's magnetopause: evidence for reconnection, Nature, 282, 243–246, https://doi.org/10.1038/282243a0, 1979.
Pitout, F., Astafyeva, E., Fleury, R., Maletckii, B., and He, J.: Did a minor geomagnetic storm really causethe loss of 40 Starlink satellites?, in: Proceedings of Soc. Fran. D'Astrophys. (SF2A), Besançon, France, 7–10 June 2022, edited by: Richard, J., Siebert, A., Lagadec, E., Lagarde, N., Venot, O., Malzac, J., Marquette, J.-B., N'Diaye, M., and Briot, D., Société Française d’Astronomie et d’Astrophysique – SF2A, Paris, France, https://sf2a.eu/proceedings/2022/2022sf2a.conf.185P.pdf (last access: March 2024), 2022.
Russell, C. and Elphic, R.: Observation of magnetic flux ropes in the Venus ionosphere, Nature, 279, 616–618, https://doi.org/10.1038/279616a0, 1979.
Sharma, R. and Srivastava, N.: Presence of solar filament plasma detected in interplanetary coronal mass ejections by in situ spacecraft, J. Space Weather Spac., 2, A10, https://doi.org/10.1051/swsc/2012010, 2012.
SpaceX: Geomagnetic storm and recently deployed Starlink satellites, SpaceX website, published on 9 February 2022, https://www.spacex.com/updates/ (last access: 20 March 2024), 2022.
Swarm: The Earth’s magnetic field and environment explorers, ESA report for mission selection (SP1279/6), April 2004, https://www.esa.int/esapub/sp/sp1279/sp1279_6_SWARM.pdf (last access: October 2023), 2004.
Swarm: Swarm Data Access, [data set], European Space Agency (ESA), https://swarm-diss.eo.esa.int (last access: 20 March 2024), 2022.
Takeuchi, T., Araki, T., Viljanen, A., and Watermann, J.: Geomagnetic negative sudden impulses: Interplanetary causes and polarization distribution, J. Geophys. Res., 107, 1096, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001JA900152, 2002.
Tang, F., Tsurutani, B. T., Gonzalez, W. D., Akasofu, S. I., and Smith. E. J.: Solar Sources of Interplanetary Southward Bz Events Responsible for Major Magnetic Storms (1978–1979), J. Geophys. Res., 94, 3535–3541, 1989.
Tsurutani, B. T. and Lakhina, G. S.: An extreme coronal mass ejection and consequences for the magnetosphere and Earth, Geophys. Res. Lett., 41, 287–292, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013GL058825, 2014.
Tsurutani, B. T. and Meng, C.-I.: Interplanetary magnetic-field variations and substorm activity, J. Geophys. Res., 77, 2964, https://doi.org/10.1029/JA077i016p02964, 1972.
Tsurutani, B. T., Gonzalez, W. D., Tang, F., Akasofu, S. I., and Smith, E. J.: Origin of interplanetary southward magnetic fields responsible for major magnetic storms near solar maximum (1978–1979), J. Geophys. Res., 93, 8519–8531, https://doi.org/10.1029/JA093iA08p08519, 1988.
Tsurutani, B. T., Mannucci, A. J., Iijima, B., Abdu, M. A., Sobral, J. H. A., Gonzalez, W. D., Guarnieri, F., Tsuda, T., Saito, A., Yumoto, K., Fejer, B., Fuller-Rowell, T. J., Kozyra, J., Foster, J. C., Coster, A., and Vasyliunas, V. M.: Global dayside ionospheric uplift and enhancement associated with interplanetary electric fields, J. Geophys. Res., 109, A08302, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JA010342, 2004.
Tsurutani, B. T., Verkhoglyadova, O. P., Mannucci, A. J., Araki, T., Sato, A., Tsuda, T., and Yumoto, K.: Oxygen ion uplift and satellite drag effects during the 30 October 2003 daytime superfountain event, Ann. Geophys., 25, 569–574, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-25-569-2007, 2007.
Tsurutani, B. T., Green, J., and Hajra, R.: The Possible Cause of the 40 SpaceX Starlink Satellite Losses in February 2022: Prompt Penetrating Electric Fields and the Dayside Equatorial and Midlatitude Ionospheric Convective Uplift, arXiv [physics.space-ph], arXiv:2210.07902, https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2210.07902, 2022.
von Humboldt, A.: Die vollständigste aller bisherigen Beobachtungen über den Einfluss des Nordlichts auf die Magnetnadel angestellt, AnPh, 29, 425, https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.18080290806, 1808.
Walach, M.-T. and Grocott, A.: SuperDARN Observations During Geomagnetic Storms, Geomagnetically Active Times and Enhanced Solar Wind Driving, J. Geophys. Res.-Space, 124, 5828–5847, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JA026816, 2019.
Wang, J., Feng, H. Q., and Zhao, G.: Cold prominence materials detected within magnetic clouds during 1998–2007, Astron. Astrophys., 616, A41, https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731807, 2018.
Wikipedia contributors: List of Starlink and Starshield launches, Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, Data accessed on 28 October 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Starlink_and_Starshield_launches&oldid=1148257453 (last access: 20 March 2024), 2022.
World Data Center for Geomagnetism: Geomagnetic Data Service, World Data Center for Geomagnetism, Kyoto [data set], https://wdc.kugi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/wdc/Sec3.html, last access: 28 October 2022.
Yashiro, S., Gopalswamy, N., Mäkelä, P., and Akiyama, S.: Post-Eruption Arcades and Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections, Sol. Phys., 284, 5–15, 2013.
Short summary
On February 03 2022, SpaceX launched a new group of satellites for its Starlink constellation. This launch simultaneously released 49 satellites into orbits between 200 km and 250 km height. The launches occurred during a geomagnetic storm that was followed by a second storm. There was an immediate loss of 32 satellites. The satellite losses may have been caused by an unusually high level of atmospheric drag (unexplained by current theory or modeling) or a high level of satellite collisions.
On February 03 2022, SpaceX launched a new group of satellites for its Starlink constellation....
