Thermosphere density variations due to the 15-24 April 2002 solar events from CHAMP/STAR accelerometer measurements

Thermosphere densities near 410 km altitude between +/- 87 degrees latitude and near 0430 and 1530 local time from the accelerometer experiment on the CHAMP satellite are used to elucidate the response to three coronal mass ejections occurring on 17, 19, and 21 April 2002. Comparisons of the global responses with the NRLMSISE00 empirical model and the NCAR TIEGCM are performed and interpreted. An enhanced daytime response in comparison to TIEGCM on 17 April is found that is suggestive of preconditioning of the atmosphere due to enhanced solar EUV fluxes maximizing on 13 April. Out of several solar wind parameters and geophysical indices that were examined, the highest correlation with thermosphere densities occurred with respect to the magnitude of the interplanetary magnetic field as measured by the ACE spacecraft. Wave-like structures with scales ranging from 100s to 1000s of kilometers are also revealed in the CHAMP data. These structures are primarily a nighttime phenomena, and the associated total variance is correlated with magnetic activity throughout the 15-24 April 2002 period. The NCAR TIEGCM was utilized to provide the basis for interpreting the equatorward propagation of large-scale traveling atmospheric disturbance (TADs). Following a sudden increase in magnetic activity and high-latitude heating, TADs were launched from both hemispheres, traveled toward the equator with phase speeds of order 800 m s(-1), constructively interfered near the equator to produce a total density perturbation of similar to 20%, and then passed through each other and into the opposite hemisphere. Perspectives on future applications of CHAMP accelerometer data to elucidate magnetic storm-related perturbations of the thermosphere are outlined.