Automatic Detection of Whistler Waves in the Top-Side Ionosphere: The WhISPER Technique

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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.
Funding Information
  • Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca (PRIN2022 n° 2022ZBBBRY, CUP E53D23004560006, CUP E63C24000230006)
  • MAECI program SW-CSES (PRIN2022 n° 2022ZBBBRY, CUP E53D23004560006, CUP E63C24000230006)

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