An Incoherent Scatter Radar Facility in Antarctica

Abstract:

A high latitude Antarctic Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) facility will help to achieve the better distributed network of sophisticated observational platforms needed in order to gain transformational new knowledge of the short and long term global variability of Earth’s upper atmosphere and its connection to the solar wind and space. It will facilitate moving toward a fully system level approach to upper atmosphere and space research. We have over the last few years performed a feasibility study including a site survey in McMurdo identifying a location and the needed logistics to carry this project out. This talk will provide and overview of the science rational and benefits of an Antarctic ISR facility, in addition to outline the current plans and next steps in establishing, for the first time, an Incohernet Scatter radar facility at a high southern latitude.