Analyzing the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/Shallow Radar Solar Radio Burst Candidates for Subsurface Sounding
Abstract
Solar radio bursts (SRBs) are radio emissions that arise from the complex interaction between energetic electrons and the background plasma. SRB emissions can have a significant impact on the space weather environment and thus on the capabilities, performance, and longevity of our space-based systems. Currently,space-based SRB observations have been dependent on solar observatories such as WIND, STEREO-A, andSTEREO-B. Recently, the use of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) subsurface sounder Shallow Radar (SHARAD) has been proposed as a potential additional solar radio waves observatory, with initial observations focusing specifically on type III bursts due to having an identifiable characteristic shape. As SHARAD was not originally designed for observing solar radio emissions, the objective of this research isto analyze which physical or systematic properties influence the detection of SRBs in SHARAD data, to determine the potential and limitations of using SHARAD as a solar radio-observatory. These properties include (1) MRO orientation, (2) MRO-Solar observatory orientation, and (3) SRB peak power output.Analyzing SRBs detected by MRO/SHARAD would enhance our understanding of SRB propagation physics and the space weather environment, and thus allow us to more effectively manage our space-based systems. In addition, we highlight the potential use of these bursts as a source for subsurface radio sounding for future terrestrial and Mars missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1213141
Entities
People
- Andreas Z Casillas
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School