Automatic Detection of Whistler Waves in the Top-Side Ionosphere: The WhISPER Technique
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We introduce the Whistler Identification by Spectral Power Estimation and Recognition (WhISPER) algorithm, a novel automated technique for detecting whistler waves in the top side of the Earth’s ionosphere. WhISPER is the first step towards a comprehensive system designed to accumulate and analyze a large dataset of whistler observations, which has been developed to advance our understanding of whistler generation and propagation. Unlike conventional image-correlation-based techniques, WhISPER identifies whistlers based on their energy content, enhancing computational efficiency. This work presents the results of applying WhISPER to four years (2019–2022) of top-side ionospheric magnetic field data. A statistical analysis of over 800,000 detected whistlers reveals a strong correlation with lightning activity and (as expected) higher occurrence rates during local summer months. The presented results demonstrate the excellent performance of the WhISPER technique in identifying whistler events.
Source: Atmosphere
Institutions: University of Trento, Institute for Space Astrophysics and Planetology, National Institute for Astrophysics, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trento Institute for Fundamental Physics And Applications, University of L'Aquila, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Roma Tor Vergata
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4410009545