Dst Index

The Dst (Disturbance Storm Time) index measures the intensity of Earth's ring current, a flow of charged particles around the planet that increases during geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity. A low or negative Dst value indicates a strong storm with a heightened ring current, which can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communication systems. It is expressed in nanoteslas (nT) and tracked continuously by scientists to monitor space weather conditions that could impact technology and infrastructure on Earth.