A new dataset of STEVE phenomenon related observations spanning multiple solar cycles

Since around 2015/16 amateur aurora observers are reporting extensively on luminous ionospheric structures related to the STEVE phenomenon associated with a pronounced subauroral ion drift (SAID). Although subauroral aurorae have been studied extensively since the middle of the 20th century these structures are not described as a specific subauroral aurora or aurora-like structure in the modern literature until 2018 (MacDonald et al., 2018). Many details related to these structures are still unknown. This work presents a comprehensive compilation of more than 100 likely and very likely historical observations reporting on STEVE phenomenon related subauroral aurora or aurora-like luminous ionospheric structures. Analyzed observations cover the period from 1706 to 1940 and are identified on basis of pre-defined identification criteria. These criteria are derived from recent amateur or citizen scientist observations compiled in an extensive event list for STEVE phenomenon related structures. It is shown that the analyzed historical reports contain detailed descriptions, several altitude measurement attempts based on quasi-simultaneous observations from separated locations, including photo documented time synchronized ad-hoc altitude measurements performed in the 1930s and 1940s in Norway. This work links current observations and findings to a data set spanning multiple solar cycles containing first documented attempts to describe, measure, classify and analyze these subauroral aurora or aurora-like ionospheric structures.