It appears that it might. Auroral infrasound has been observed at Fairbanks, Alaska, so I’ve done calculations for the atmosphere above Fairbanks. I've found that ß~1 around 120 km. The aurora only reaches down to about 100 km, so this result seems appropriate since it is directly in the auroral region.

beta calculations

These calculations were done using the NRLMSISE-00 standard atmosphere model.  But during an auroral event, there is an influx of energetic particles into the atmosphere.  This raises the temperature.  This will affect where ß~1 is found.  Since

as the temperature increases, T, we must find a stronger magnetic field, B.  Thus, I expect that the ß~1 region will be lower than 120 km.   I plan to evaluate beta again after obtaining temperature data during an aurora.

According to Charles Wilson of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Auroral Infrasonic Waves (AIW) originate at an altitude of 110 km (Wilson, 2005).

Does ß~1 mean that auroral infrasound does originate in magnetic waves of a geomagnetic storm?

Not necessarily. ß~1 is a good indicator that this is possible but there is more that needs to be investigated.

Sources:

Wilson, C.R. "Infrasound from Auroral Electrojet Motions at I53US." Inframatics, 10, 1-13, 2005

Next: Continuing Research

 

How are aurorae created?
Can we hear the aurorae?
Wave transformation on the Sun
What is ß?
How can a magnetic wave transform into an acoustic wave?
Does ß=1 anywhere in Earth’s atmosphere?
Continuing research
Bibliography