Studies of Enhanced Performance of the Mileura Widefield Array for Solar Observation and Space Weather
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate developments that would enhance the capabilities of the Mileura Widefield Array-Low Frequency Demonstrator (MWA-LFD) for solar and space weather measurements. Enhancement of the angular resolution of the MWA-LFD to observe Type II Solar Radio Bursts was determined to be the best option, and can be accomplished by increasing the physical diameter of the array by a factor of -3. Key elements of the augmentation involve addition of 16 antenna clusters in two semi-circular rings of 3 and 4.5 km diameter, and expansion of the array correlator to accommodate the reduced from 3.4 to 1.13 arc minutes, and the collecting area is increased by 12%. The addition of GPS receivers is also recommended to provide calibration of the Earth's ionosphere for heliospheric Faraday rotation measurements. Results from the early deployment of three antenna tiles at the Mileura station in West Australia are presented giving early indication of the excellence of the site environment and the capability of the instrument for solar observations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA453643
Entities
People
- Colin J. Lonsdale
- Divya Oberoi
- Joseph E. Salah
- Roger C. Cappallo