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The Costello Geomagnetic Activity Index model was developed by Kirt Costello at Rice University under support from the US Air Force and Sterling Software, Inc. It is a neural network algorithm that was trained on the response of the Kp geomagnetic activity index to solar wind parameters. The model takes the most recent two hours of solar wind data and returns a 3-hour activity index prediction in units of Kp. The valid time of the prediction is indicated on the output graphics by horizontal bars. SEC's test product based on this model is an estimate of the geomagnetic activity level, in Kp units, generated every 15 minutes.

The Earthside, or near-side, data are smoothed magnetic flux as measured by MDI. The images are shown to 70 degrees from disk center. Each magnetogram takes only one minute to observe.

The farside images are maps of wave speed variations with locations of faster wave speed shown darker. These darker regions indicate locations where there is an accumulation of magnetic field on the far surface. The farside images can only be computed out to 45 degrees from the farside disk center as (un)seen from Earth. A full 24-hours of MDI surface velocity data is used to compute each image.

Over thirty, ahem, something years ago, I can vividly recollect my grade school teacher gathering up a large box in her arms and asking the class to follow her. We were going on an excursion and I was filled with excitement. Anything to get me out of the classroom with our little wood desks and beat up textbooks was a fine idea by my standards. I was always more of a “hands on” person and thrived on adventure.

When we reached our destination, any momentary disappointment of being led into the gymnasium soon turned into a flutter of anticipation when we quietly followed her up on the stage and she then turned off all the lights after pulling the huge stage curtains shut. You could hear all my classmates inhale from surprise at the sudden darkness, myself included. It was soon followed by giggles when out of the darkness a flashlight clicked on and the only sight to be seen was my teacher’s smiling face. I remember her well. She was one of my favorites, very kind, and full of wonder.

The next hour we all sat there cross legged, wide eyed in a circle around her as she explained to us about the our solar system. It seemed as if she had several floating hands rotating the model planets in midair around our sun, the flashlight. It was amazing and left a remarkable impact on me.

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