Initial phase of mid-latitude aurora during strong geomagnetic storms

Analysing the initial mid-latitude aurora phase during strong geomagnetic storms we found that the initial phase of the mid-latitude aurorae observed at 630 nm emission during the strong geomagnetic storms on March 24, 1991, April 6, 2000, October 30 and November 20, 2003 is characterized by a short (∼1 h) wave-like disturbance. This disturbance corresponds to the beginning of main phase of the magnetic storms. The marked effect of the mid-latitude aurorae is analyzed using data on magnetosphere and ionosphere conditions in observation periods. The features of the dynamics of the 630 nm emission intensity and its connection with the dynamics of magnetospheric–ionospheric structures are considered. Possible excitation mechanisms of the atomic oxygen emission (630 nm) during these disturbances are discussed.