Dual Hemisphere Investigations of Ionospheric Irregularities that Disrupt Radio Communications and Navigation
Abstract
This grant provided resources to study (1) ionospheric disturbances that cause severe disruptions of radio communications and navigational systems crucial to Department of Defense programs, and (2) tsunami-generated ionospheric signatures of waves that can be used to study both upward and horizontal ocean-atmosphere coupling. Our primary observational technique is optical-one that provides broad coverage of upper atmosphere structures and disturbances. Using instrumentation provided by the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURlP) we conducted our studies from several sites in North and South America. Each site was equipped with a Boston University state-of-the-art optical instrument called an All-Sky-magier (ASI), meaning that it records atmospheric emissions using a 180 field -of-view achieved by a "fish -eye" lens. Moreover, we located these instruments at sites that share a common geomagnetic field line- called conjugate points. For example, the ASI at the Arecibo Radio Observatory in Puerto Rico has its geomagnetic conjugate point in Mercedes (Argentina), while our ASI at the higher latitude Millstone Hill/Haystack Observatory (MA) has its conjugate point covered by an ASI in Rothera (Antartica).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1013931
Entities
People
- Michael Mendillo