Space Regulatory Glossary Industry

Kp index

/keɪ piː ˈɪndɛks/ noun

1. A global measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme), derived from ground-based magnetometer observations at 13 stations worldwide. Updated every three hours.
2. Kp values of 5 or higher correspond to NOAA G-scale storm conditions. Satellite operators use the Kp index to anticipate increased atmospheric drag, radiation belt enhancements, and potential anomalies in spacecraft electronics.

Origin From German 'planetarische Kennziffer' (planetary index), introduced by Julius Bartels in 1939.

Related terms

geomagnetic storm A temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere caused by the interaction of solar wind structures — typically coronal… space weather The variable conditions in the space environment between the Sun and Earth — including solar wind, energetic particles,…

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