Dynamics explorer guest investigator

The use of Dynamics Explorer (DE) data sets to model the auroral inputs for the time dependent ionospheric model (TDIM) is reported. The modelling requires DE-1 SAI images and simultaneous DE-2 LAPI particle data. The data sets allow the large scale relative auroral variations and local absolute energy flexes and characteristics energies to be defined. The images enabled global scale auroral modelling with 12 min. time resolution and the LAPI data presented a detailed energy flux and characteristic energy calibration of the image model. The auroral model is used as an input to the TDIM and studies ionospheric storms

Dynamics Explorer guest investigator

The research has focused on using the SAI auroral images as a high resolution auroral precipitation input to the USU global scale ionospheric model. From the global scale modeling viewpoint, these images offer unique spatial and temporal resolution since all prior studies have used empirical auroral models. These latter models are devoid of storm, substorm, or discrete oval features. The research focused on the problems in converting images to energy flux; using LAPU data to calibrate these energy fluxes; using the USU Time Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM) to look at the ionospheric consequences of this structure; and then using DE-2 in-situ observations to compare with the TDIM ionospheric parameters. In carrying out these studies, several additional investigations cropped up which were pursued to help meet the overall goals. The foremost difficulty in carrying out the TDIM modeling in conjunction with the high resolution DE auroral model was that of defining an appropriate ionospheric convection pattern. Under northward conditions this pattern is very complex. In order to study Theta aurora or in general northward IMF conditions, a new model was required. Hence, a study was completed to supply this new model to drive the TDIM as a function of the IMF. With the DE auroral model having adequate resolution to show structure on the 100's of km and all model electric fields being devoid of such structure, an investigation was pursued to find out the effects of structures in the electric field on the F-region

Dynamics Explorer guest investigator

Four objectives were accomplished during this reporting period. The visible auroral image conversion algorithms were compated with algorithms developed by Dr. M. H. Rees for data at different wavelengths. In the study 630 and 557 nm images were used to deduce the auroral energy flux and characteristic energy of the precipitating auroral electrons. The data for Southward IMF, B sub y negative conditions were collected and put into global format. A total of 55 sets of auroral images were obtained, and then converted to energy flux and characteristic energy data sets. The shortcoming of representing the high latitude convection pattern as a smooth function was written up and submitted to the Journal of Geophysical Research. A series of midlatitude corotational model runs were performed to quantitatively show how the F region varied as a function of electric field, topside number flux, and a topside heat source

Low Earth Orbiting Photographer (LEOP) Cube Satellite

The exploration and study of space is critical for the future of our society, but the opportunities for educational institutions to get involved in space research have faded dramatically in the last decade with the retirement of the space shuttle program. The USU Get Away Special (GAS) team is designing a new, low cost solution to space research, CubeSat (Cube Satellite). This small satellite, with a volume of approximately one liter, will have a high resolution camera directed at earth, and students will be able to request a picture of their area when the satellite flies overhead. In this way, students will have an eye-in-the-sky to help them be a part of space research. The GAS team expects this project to increase interest in space research and provide an affordable solution for future projects

Global Scale, Physical Models of the \u3ci\u3eF\u3c/i\u3e Region Ionosphere

During the last decade, ionospheric F region modeling has reached an accurate climatological level. We now have global computer models of the F region which simulate the interactions between physical processes in the ionosphere. Because of their complexity, these climatological models are confined to modern day supercomputers. This review focuses on the development and verification of these physical ionospheric models. Such models are distinct from local models, steady state models, and empirical models of the ionosphere, which are, by their conception, unable to represent physically the range of F region variability or storm dynamics. This review examines the limitations of the physical models, which are at the present time mainly associated with inputs to the ionospheric system. Of these, the magnetospheric electric field and auroral precipitation are by far the most dominant and yet the least well-defined dynamic inputs. Several developments are currently under way which could well lead to meteorological modeling capabilities in the next decade. For this the use of higher-resolution inputs, both temporal and spatial (for example, auroral imagery), is critical. Coupling the ionospheric models with thermospheric and magnetospheric models will lead to self-consistency and probably a predictive capability. Coupling to thermospheric models is currently under way; however, coupling with the magnetosphere must await the development of a magnetospheric model

EISCAT velocity patterns for theoretical plasma convection models

Theoretical line-of-sight velocities, as would be observed by the EISCAT radar, are computed for idealized models of plasma convection in the polar ionosphere. The calculations give the velocity as a function of range and Universal Time. For several variants of the Volland and Heelis convection models, how the maxima, minima and reversals of velocity depend on beam azimuth is examined. The analysis is designed to be applied to data from the UK-POLAR experiment, an example of which is shown

HAPCAD, Prototype for the GASPACS Aeroboom Deployment

This past summer the Utah State University Get Away Special Microgravity Research Team tested several of their prototypes on high altitude balloons. They had a total of four balloon launches were they collected a variety of data. Their primary purpose was to test their passive stabilization mechanism called the Aeroboom

Polar Cap Patches and the Tongue of Ionization: A Survey of GPS TEC Maps from 2009 to 2015

The source and structuring mechanisms for F region density patches have been subjects of speculation and debate for many years. We have made a survey of mappings of total electron content (TEC) between the years 2009 and 2015 from the web‐based Madrigal data server in order to determine when patches and/or a tongue of ionization (TOI) have been present in the Northern Hemisphere polar cap; we find that there is a UT and seasonal dependence that follows a specific pattern. This finding sheds considerable light upon the old question of the source of polar cap patches, since it virtually eliminates potential patch plasma sources that do not have a UT/seasonal dependence, for example, particle precipitation or flux transfer events. We also find that the frequency of occurrence of patches or TOIs has little to do with the level of geomagnetic activity