Magnetic pulsations are extremely low frequency disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere driven by its interactions with the solar wind.[1] These variations in the planet's magnetic field can oscillate for multiple hours when a solar wind driving force strikes a resonance.[2] This is a form of Kelvin–Helmholtz instability.[1] The intensity, frequency, and orientation of these variations is measured by Intermagnet.[2]
In 1964, the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) proposed a classification of magnetic pulsations into continuous pulsations (Pc) and irregular pulsations (Pi).[1][3]
High above the Arctic Circle in Lofoten, Norway, citizen scientist Rob Stammes operates a space weather monitoring station. His sensors detect ground currents, auroras, radio bursts, and disturbances in Earth's magnetic field. Yesterday, he says, "I received a musical note from the magnetosphere."