Research

Our group focuses on Van Allen radiation belt physics, solar wind-magnetosphere coupling, and using machine learning for space weather prediction.

Research Lines

1. Radiation Belt Dynamics

We study the mechanisms of energization, transport, and loss of relativistic electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts. We investigate enhancement and dropout events, the formation of ultrarelativistic remnant belts, and the radial response of electrons during geomagnetic storms.

Data: Van Allen Probes (MagEIS, REPT, EMFISIS, EFW), GOES, THEMIS.

2. ULF Waves & Magnetospheric Turbulence

We investigate the role of ultra-low frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves in the dynamics of trapped charged particles. We study magnetospheric turbulence, total pressure balance, and wave-particle interactions in the inner magnetosphere.

Data: Magnetometers (SAMBA, MACCS, THEMIS GBO, CARISMA), SuperDARN, THEMIS.

3. Space Weather & Machine Learning

We develop forecasting models for ground magnetic perturbations, geomagnetically induced currents (GIC), and empirical predictive models using deep learning techniques (neural networks, LSTM, CNN). Our goal is near-real-time prediction of space weather events using solar wind data.

Tools: Python, TensorFlow-Keras, PyTorch, FastAI, Scikit-learn. Real-time OMNI data.

Active Projects

FONDECYT Iniciación 2025

PI: Dr. Victor Pinto

"The Role of Electromagnetic ULF Waves on the Dynamics of Trapped Charged Particles in the Earth's Radiation Belts"

2025-2028 · ID: 11251905

FONDECYT Regular 2025

Co-I: Dr. Victor Pinto

"Turbulence and total pressure balance in the interconnected dynamic magnetosphere"

2025-2029 · ID: 1252149

FONDECYT Regular 2024

Co-I: Dr. Victor Pinto

"The macro and micro physics of expanding plasma systems: implications for solar and stellar winds"

2024-2028 · ID: 1240281

FONDEQUIP 2023

PI: Dr. Victor Pinto

"Expansion of High-Performance Computing Capabilities Focused on Data Science, Simulations and Numerical Modeling"

2024-2027 · ID: EQM230160

FONDEF IDEA I+D

PI/Co-I: Dr. Victor Pinto

"Development and Implementation of a Space Weather Platform in Chile"

2025-2027 · ID: ID22I10153

NASA LWS

International Collaborator: Dr. Victor Pinto

"Foreshock Transients Impact on Magnetospheric Perturbations and Plasma Population"

2023-2026 · ID: 22-LWS22_2-0027

Selected Publications

Full publication list: Google Scholar · ORCID

Inostroza et al. — The Role of auroral phenomena in the dynamics of the outer radiation belt during the 1 June 2013 geomagnetic storm. JGR: Space Physics.
Published
Stepanova, Pinto et al. — Role of the solar wind dynamic pressure in the development of magnetospheric turbulence. Physica Scripta.
Published
Pinto, Espitia et al. — Radial evolution of ultrarelativistic electrons during enhancement events. Physica Scripta.
Published
Lara, Pinto et al. — On the Relationship Between ULF Wave Power and Changes of Relativistic Electron Fluxes in the Outer Radiation Belt. Universe.
Published
Gallardo-Lacourt, Pinto et al. — Unexpected STEVE observations at high latitude during quiet geomagnetic conditions. GRL.
Published
Stepanova, Pinto & Antonova. — Regarding the relativistic electron dynamics in the outer radiation belt: a historical view. Reviews of Modern Plasma Physics.
Published