Account for the Moving Satellite
A satellite records data as it moves, so its time series contains both temporal changes and differences between locations. We check latitude, longitude, altitude, local time, geomagnetic coordinates, and orbit direction. Comparisons with ground data also show when and where the satellite passed.
Check Conditions and Data Quality
Magnetic storms, substorms, daily variation, instrument conditions, and data gaps can affect the features seen in a record. We examine geomagnetic activity around the target interval and compare quiet and disturbed conditions separately where appropriate. An unusual feature is first checked against observation and processing conditions.
Combine Orbit Maps and Time Series
Orbit maps show position, time series show changes, and latitude profiles show variation along a track. Baselines, filter settings, comparison data, and excluded intervals help readers examine a feature from more than one perspective.
The provider, product, processing level, version, and quality flags are also important details to check for each analysis.
Avoid Conclusions from a Single Pass
Similar changes in a satellite pass and a ground record do not by themselves establish a common cause. Other passes, control intervals, and space-weather conditions also need to be considered.
See Data and Methods for the approach to analysis. For analysis or figure preparation, please include the dataset, target interval, and research question in your inquiry.