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Abstract

The Polar Cap (PC) indices, PCN (North) and PCS (South) and their combination, PCC, are usually based on polar geomagnetic observations from Qaanaaq (Thule) and Vostok, respectively. To establish reliable space weather forecasts based on PC indices, and to ensure credibility of their use for scientific analyses of solar wind-magnetosphere interactions, additional sources of data for the PC indices have been investigated. Objective quality criteria have been established for the selection among potential candidates. In the Canadian region, the data from Alert or Resolute Bay magnetometers may provide alternative PCN indices of adequate quality. PCN indices in a real-time version based on magnetometer data from either Alert or Resolute Bay could have given early warning of the onset of the strong substorm events that have caused power outages (e.g. in 1989, 1991, and 2003). In Antarctica, data from the French-Italian Concordia Dome-C observatory have provided alternative PCS indices. These PCS indices have helped to disclose that Vostok-based PCS index values, made available from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) during 2013 to 2021 with reference to IAGA Resolution #3 (2013), were corrupted by processing failures and have caused devaluation of more than 8 peer-reviewed publications. References: Stauning. (SW 2007). PCC, a new index, doi:10.1029/2007SW000311; Stauning (swsc 2020). Using PC indices to predict violent GIC events. doi:10.1051/swsc/2020004; Stauning (swsc 2018). Multi-station basis for Polar Cap (PC) indices. doi:10.1051/swsc/2017036 ; Stauning (SW 2022). PCS Version based on Dome-C data. doi:10.1029/2021SW002941.