A comparative study of probability distribution functions and burst lifetime distributions of BS and AE at solar maximum and minimum

It is commonly accepted that the AE index reflects in some sense the state of the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere dynamical system. Actually, the AE index is related to the solar wind driving function vertical bar VBs vertical bar. Since the solar wind parameters have a different behavior for different phases of the solar cycle, a comparative study of the AE index and vertical bar VBs vertical bar, including studies of probability distribution functions (PDF) and burst lifetime distributions, is needed in order to investigate the differences between solar maximum and solar minimum. In this work we report some of our preliminary results and possible implications.