Applying the method of maximum contributions to the magnetogram inversion technique

Fundamentals of the spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) of the geomagnetic field were created by Gauss. They acquired the classical Chapman-Schmidt form in the first half of the ХХth century. The SHA method was actively developed for domestic geomagnetology by IZMIRAN, and then, since the start of the space age, by ISTP SB RAS, where SHA became the basis for a comprehensive method of MIT (magnetogram inversion technique). SHA solves the inverse problem of potential theory and calculates sources of geomagnetic field variations (GFV) - internal and external electric currents. The SHA algorithm forms a system of linear equations (SLE), which consists of 3 K equations (three components of the geomagnetic field, K is the number of ground magnetic stations). Small changes in the left and (or) right side of such SLE can lead to a significant change in unknown variables. As a result, two consecutive instants of time with almost identical GFV are approximated by significantly different SHA coefficients. This contradicts both logic and real observations of the geomagnetic field. The inherent error of magnetometers, as well as the method for determining GFV, also entails the instability of SLE solution. To solve such SLEs optimally, the method of maximum contribution (MMC) was developed at ISTP SB RAS half a century ago. This paper presents basics of the original method and proposes a number of its modifications that increase the accuracy and (or) speed of solving the SLEs. The advantage of MMC over other popular methods is shown, especially for the Southern Hemisphere of Earth.