The Holy Grail- predicting the Bz?

[Carl Bergstrand]

I've seen some articles on the subject, but to my understanding there is only faint - or none - science in to predict the Bz. As you all know the direction of the IMF is a huge deal for auroras as well as geomagnetic storming. Northward Bz is really working as a great shield, whilst strong Southward Bz allows the particles of the solarwind to create intense auroras as well as problems to the power grid via induction / ground currents. 

I would love to see models, science and thoughts on how - if at all possible - predicting the direction of the IMF. 

And please, keep of with the "planets alignment thesis". Thanx in advance. // Calle 

[Vancanneyt Sander]

You are correct, it’s still impossible to predict the direction of the IMF.

Solar orbiter does some excellent research with solar wind and IMF parameters between Sun and Earth which hopefully can be further researched to see how much that changes through the interplanetary space in order to find a way to improve predictions and find a way to predict the IMF direction.

Ideally a satellite between the Earth and the Sun (somewhere in the middle) would give us a good view to see if it goes north or south and improve predictions. But as there is no Lagrange point there, a stationary satellite isn’t possible. 

[Carl Bergstrand]

Thanx Sander! Damn you're fast

I've heard some talk (maybe dreamt this) about AI trying to learn and via algorithms provide our (stupid?) brains with solutions and patterns about this. Since approaching solar maximum ("du lux" from what I can tell) we should deeply invest in things trying to predict that Bz.... And, agree, Solar Orbiter - I'm in love with that thing. Whilst still near the sun, and in the earth - sun -line, it provided great data from its onboard magnetometer. Just that brief time of data was a huge deal. 

It's a pity we cant put an outer one up there, measuring more close to the sun. Well, perhaps with new propulsion-technology we don't have to care about L-points...  In the same time, if STARLINK aims to put 42 000 satellites around earth, then why not put a ribbon of at least 10 000 satellites in the suns orbit.... with cameras, magnetometers and - wifi.