For the first time, vertical rise velocities of postmidnight field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) at low geomagnetic latitudes have been examined near the June solstice by using two‐dimensional maps of F region FAI echoes observed with the Equatorial Atmosphere Radar in Indonesia for 3 years starting in May 2010. We found 15 freshly growing FAIs at postmidnight between May and August during the 3 years. The rise velocities of FAIs are smaller at postmidnight than at postsunset, and most postmidnight FAIs do not exceed an altitude of 450 km. Based on the rise velocities, a lower limit for the creation time of the postmidnight FAIs is estimated to be between 21:30 LT and 02:00 LT for 14 of the 15 events, indicating that this class of FAIs is distinct from the postsunset FAIs.

Predicting the daily variability of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) is an ongoing scientific challenge. Various methods for predicting EPBs have been developed, however, the research community is yet to scrutinize the methods for evaluating and comparing these prediction models/techniques. In this study, 12 months of co‐located GPS and UHF scintillation observations spanning South America, Atlantic/Western Africa, Southeast Asia, and Pacific sectors are used to evaluate the Generalized Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) growth rates calculated from the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM). Various assessment metrics are explored, including the use of significance testing on skill scores for threshold selection. The sensitivity of these skill scores to data set type (i.e., GPS versus UHF) and data set size (30, 50, 60, and 90 days/events) is also investigated. It is shown that between 50 and 90 days is required to achieve a statistically significant skill score. Methods for conducting model‐model comparisons are also explored, including the use of model “sufficiency.” However, it is shown that the results of model‐model comparisons must be carefully interpreted and can be heavily dependent on the data set used. It is also demonstrated that the observation data set must exhibit an appropriate level of daily EPB variability in order to assess the true strength of a given model/technique. Other limitations and considerations on assessment metrics and future challenges for EPB prediction studies are also discussed.

Centimetre-level accurate ionospheric corrections are required for a high accuracy and rapid convergence of Precise Point Positioning (PPP) GNSS positioning solutions. This research aims to evaluate the accuracy of a local/regional ionospheric delay model using a linear interpolation method across Australia. The accuracy of the ionospheric corrections is assessed as a function of both different latitudinal regions and the number and spatial density of GNSS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORSs). Our research shows that, for a local region of 5° latitude ×10° longitude in mid-latitude regions of Australia (~30° to 40°S) with approximately 15 CORS stations, ionospheric corrections with an accuracy of 5 cm can be obtained. In Victoria and New South Wales, where dense CORS networks exist (nominal spacing of ~100 km), the average ionospheric corrections accuracy can reach 2 cm. For sparse networks (nominal spacing of >200 km) at lower latitudes, the average accuracy of the ionospheric corrections is within the range of 8 to 15 cm; significant variations in the ionospheric errors of some specific satellite observations during certain periods were also found. In some regions such as Central Australia, where there are a limited number of CORSs, this model was impossible to use. On average, centimetre-level accurate ionospheric corrections can be achieved if there are sufficiently dense (i.e., nominal spacing of approximately 200 km) GNSS CORS networks in the region of interest. Based on the current availability of GNSS stations across Australia, we propose a set of 15 regions of different ionospheric delay accuracies with extents of 5° latitude ×10° longitude covering continental Australia.

An unseasonal equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) event over South‐East Asia was observed on July 22, 2014 that has not been studied before. An investigation into this event is presented with the 26th July, 2014 as a comparison, non‐bubble day. The 22nd July EPB event occurred in the late post‐sunset sector and was associated with a small upward plasma drift. This event was highlighted using a new filter on the SCINDA S4 data. Ionosonde data show that sporadic E was present during the growth period for the EPB event. Modeling results from Thermosphere‐Ionosphere Electrodynamics (TEC) Global Circulation Model were used to conduct a numerical experiment investigating the direct effect of sporadic E on the linear R‐T growth rate. It was shown that sporadic E located in the correct latitude and local time can increase the linear growth rate. The seeding conditions were investigated using TEC data from Patumwan, Thailand. Wave‐like structures were observed for both days of interest, with larger amplitudes on 22nd July compared with the 26th July. Finally, simulations using the high‐resolution model PBMOD showed that for forcing from above conditions similar to the days of interest, EPBs would form in the presence of large seed perturbations. Therefore, it is likely that this unseasonal event was caused by large seed perturbations in TEC.

Space weather is a key component in the daily operation of many technological systems and applications, including large-scale power grids, high-frequency radio systems, and satellite systems. As the international space sector continues to boom, accessible space weather products, tools and education are increasingly important to ensure that space actors (both old and new) are equipped with the knowledge of how space weather influences their activities and applications. At RMIT University, the initiative was taken to develop a Space Weather Prediction Laboratory exercise for students as part of its new offering of a Bachelor’s Degree in Space Science in 2020. This new Space Weather Prediction Lab exercise is offered as part of an undergraduate course on “Space Exploration”, which has a diverse student in-take, including students with no background in physics; a key detail in the design of the Lab. The aims of the Space Weather Prediction Lab were to: (1) provide a short and intense introduction to the near-Earth space environment and its impact on various human technologies; (2) give students “hands-on” training in data analysis, interpretation and communication; and (3) create an immersive space science experience for students that encourages learning, scientific transparency and teamwork. The format of the lab that was developed can be easily scaled in difficulty to suit the students’ technical level, either by including more/less space weather datasets in the analysis or by analyzing more/less complicated space weather events. The details of the Space Weather Prediction Lab developed and taught at RMIT in 2020, in both face-to-face and online formats, are presented.