What Is Kp Index?
A 0 to 9 number showing how stirred up Earth's magnetic field is. Higher numbers mean auroras can be seen farther from the poles. In technical terms: The planetary 3-hour geomagnetic activity index from 0 to 9 (in thirds), derived from the K indices of a network of subauroral magnetometers; Kp 5 corresponds to G1 and Kp 9 to G5 storm levels.
Also called: Kp, Planetary K Index
Kp Index In Plain English
A 0 to 9 number showing how stirred up Earth's magnetic field is. Higher numbers mean auroras can be seen farther from the poles.
The Technical Definition
The planetary 3-hour geomagnetic activity index from 0 to 9 (in thirds), derived from the K indices of a network of subauroral magnetometers; Kp 5 corresponds to G1 and Kp 9 to G5 storm levels.
Lessons That Use Kp Index
- Geomagnetic Storms, The Kp Index And The Aurora Unit 15: Space Weather
