Disturbance storm time index

The disturbance storm time index, also known as the Dst index or Kyoto Dst index, is a measure of the strength of the Earth's ring current.^[1]^: 115^[2]

The ring current around Earth produces a magnetic field that is directly opposite Earth's magnetic field; that is, if the difference between solar electrons and protons gets higher, then Earth's magnetic field becomes weaker.

A negative Dst value means that Earth's magnetic field is weakened. This is particularly the case during solar storms.

Its units are typically measured in nT (nano-Tesla).

^ Maynaud, P. N. (1980). Derivation, Meaning, and Use of Geomagnetic Indices. Geophysical Monograph Series. Vol. 22. Washington, D.C.: American Geophysical Union. Bibcode:1980GMS....22..607M. doi:10.1029/GM022. ISBN 9781118663837.
^ Loewe, C. A.; Prölss, G. W. (1997). "Classification and mean behavior of magnetic storms". Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics. 102 (A7): 14209–14213. Bibcode:1997JGR...10214209L. doi:10.1029/96JA04020.

[1] Maynaud, P. N. (1980). Derivation, Meaning, and Use of Geomagnetic Indices. Geophysical Monograph Series. Vol. 22. Washington, D.C.: American Geophysical Union. Bibcode:1980GMS....22..607M. doi:10.1029/GM022. ISBN 9781118663837.

[2] Loewe, C. A.; Prölss, G. W. (1997). "Classification and mean behavior of magnetic storms". Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics. 102 (A7): 14209–14213. Bibcode:1997JGR...10214209L. doi:10.1029/96JA04020.

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