The Pursuit of Polar Radio Science
Description
This book presents a detailed account of polar radio science and geomagnetic research conducted throughout the International Years of the Quiet Sun (IQSY). This pivotal scientific period, spanning January 1, 1964, to December 31, 1965, near solar minimum, marked an international effort to observe solar and geophysical phenomena using both ground-based observatories and spacecraft, with the intention to deepen a global understanding of solar-terrestrial interactions-particularly how disturbances originating from the Sun influence Earth's upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetic environment. The work followed an earlier global campaign, the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958, which focused on measurements taken under conditions of an active Sun. Together, these two major scientific initiatives sought to compare and understand the differences between solar maximum and solar minimum conditions. Much of the resulting data came from optical instruments and specially designed upper-atmospheric radio receivers used to probe the ionosphere, especially during polar cap absorption (PCA) events and auroral absorption (AA) phenomena.
The purpose of this book is to explore these two hemispheric research efforts in depth, revealing the scientific experiments, measurement methods, and field experiences that shaped them.
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Content
Great Whale River; Sub-Arctic Field Observatory, Quebec province, Canada. Connected into interplanetary space by outer geomagnetic field lines that converge to the geomagnetic north and south poles near "Byrd Station field observatory," in West Antarctica.- Central Radio Propagation Laboratory (CPRL) National Bureau of Standards Boulder, Colorado, USA.- Forward Scatter and sporadic E layer of the Ionosphere (section 8520). Polar Aurora and Airglow measurements.- Visit to geophysical near conjugate point field observatory at Baie St .Paul with Eights Station field observatory in the Antarctica.- The Stanford University radio science VLF and ELF measurement system.- DRTE Canada Alouette One, Topside Sounder Satellite Measurements at Great Whale River geophysics field observatory.- Proposed plans for studying the southern polar upper-atmosphere.- Polar Navigation. Visit to the Sterling Laboratories of the USWB.- Antarctic Training at the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA),1619 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, D.C.- The beginning of the polar journey at Andrews Air Force Base.- Destination McMurdo Station Antarctica.- Adapting to high altitude and extreme cold at the South Pole Station.- The first year of operation begins in January (1966), at the new Plateau Station field observatory.- Continuous scientific measurements for the first year of operation begins at Plateau Station Field Observatory 1966.- Combined Upper- Atmosphere Measurements on the high Plateau Ridge.- Mid-winter emergency at Plateau station. A lesson in improvisation.- Plateau Station Geophysical Field Observatory records the lowest temperature in the world.1966.- The first snow quake detonation experience makes its full impact on our wintering over team at Plateau Station on the 28th October1966.- Return to South Pole Station to systems check the Riometer.- Appendix A.- Appendix B.- Appendix C.- Appendix D.