Auroral zone over the last 3000 years

Ryuho Kataoka,Shin’Ya Nakano

doi:10.1051/swsc/2021030

Abstract

We investigated the global shape of the auroral zone over the last 3000 years using paleomagnetism CALS models. A similar method of apex latitude as proposed by Oguti (1993) [J Geophys Res98(A7): 11649–11655; J Geomag Geoelectr45, 231–242] was adopted to draw the auroral zone. The Oguti method is examined using 50-year data from ground-based magnetometers located at high latitudes, using International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) models. The equatorward auroral limit during magnetic storms was also examined using more than 20 years of data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. The reconstructed auroral zone and the equatorward auroral limit were compared with the historical auroral witness records for 1200 AD and 1800 AD. We concluded that the 12th and 18th centuries were excellent periods for Japan and the United Kingdom, respectively, to observe auroras over the last 3000 years.

Highlights

Matsushita (1956) briefly summarized that Nippon KishoShiryo provided historical data for remarkable meteorological occurrences, including auroras, even from middle-latitude Japan
Siscoe (1980) discussed that solar activity must have been relatively high in the 12th century, based on the number of auroral records that peaked during this period in China and Europe
This paper aims to examine whether the 12th century was the best age for Japan to observe auroras

Summary

Introduction

Matsushita (1956) briefly summarized that Nippon KishoShiryo provided historical data for remarkable meteorological occurrences, including auroras, even from middle-latitude Japan. Among these records, a significant portion of the auroral witnesses has clustered around the year 1200 AD. This paper aims to examine whether the 12th century was the best age for Japan to observe auroras. This will be accomplished by drawing the shape of the auroral zone for the last 3000 years – using the latest Gauss coefficients with higher

Auroral zones from 1960 to 2010 AD using IGRF models

Auroral zones as identified by magnetometers and DMSP satellites

Auroral zone from 1000 BC to 1900 AD using CALS models

Findings

Conclusions