An optical statistical analysis of the dayside open/closed [|#28#|]field line boundary location

In the cusp, the equatorward boundary of the auroral 630 nm [OI] red line emission can be used as a proxy for the dayside open/closed field line boundary (OCB). Svalbard is a unique location for optical studies of the dayside aurora because of its high geographic latitude, statistical location beneath the cusp and a relatively friendly climate. Permanent optical observations of the dayside aurora has been performed from the Auroral Station in Longyearbyen (78 deg. N, 16 deg. E), Svalbard, since 1978. Data from the meridian scanning photometer located in Longyearbyen, covering the period from 1994 to present, has been used to identify and determine the statistical location of the optical OCB.