Comparison of real-time ACE IMF polarity data (solid black line) with Wang & Sheeley model predictions (colored dots). The three sets of predictions (i.e., red, green, and blue dots) are based on data from, respectively, Wilcox (WSO), Mount Wilson (MWO) and Kitt Peak (NSO) solar observatories. The solid black line is the real-time (9-hour-averaged) ACE IMF values normalized to equal unit value. A positive (negative) polarity indicates that the IMF is directed radially outward (inward) from the Sun to the Earth. Each 9-hour interval of real-time ACE data corresponds to 9 individual (hourly averaged) values when there are no gaps in coverage. If two-thirds of the 9 values have positive (negative) sign, they are assigned a polarity of +1 (-1). If less than two-thirds are of a particular sign, that time interval is assigned a polarity of zero, implying mixed or indeterminate polarity.
Plots updated daily as new data becomes available.
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