Rolling Grant Support for a Programme of Research in Solar-Planetary and Atmospheric Physics at the University of Leicester
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
We propose a broadly-based programme of research on the outer environments of the Earth and planets, shaped by the interactions that take place between the planetary magnetic field, the solar wind on the outside, and the planetary atmosphere on the inside. The programme will consist of experimental work, data analysis, theory, and computer modelling, and can be described most simply in terms of four interactive elements. The first element consists of research in 'solar terrestrial physics' in which ground- and space-based experimental facilities will be used to examine the response of the Earth's magnetosphere to the highly-variable inputs from the interplanetary medium, namely the solar wind and embedded interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The direction of the IMF is known to be a principal determinant of the interaction, but the solar wind ram pressure also plays a role. How the fundamental processes that occur within the outer regions vary in response to these inputs will be investigated, together with the transmission of the resulting effects along outer magnetic field lines into the Earth's polar ionosphere and atmosphere. Experimental research will focus on data from the SuperDARN radar array, the ESA Cluster space mission, and the new NASA THEMIS mission. A second area of study will consider related phenomena in the outer plasma environments of the planets, where similar considerations apply but under very different conditions. Results thus inform and are informed by understanding of the terrestrial system. Planetary research will initially focus on Jupiter and Saturn, using auroral data from the Hubble Space Telescope and in situ data from the Cassini space mission. Later, work will also begin on Mars in preparation for the ESA ExoMars orbiter mission, and on Mercury in preparation for BepiColombo. This work will also inform later studies on the outer environments of extra-solar planets. In the third research area novel active experiments will be undertaken in the terrestrial environment using the SPEAR, Tromso, and HAARP high-power radar facilities. These will first be used to study natural phenomena through the production of artificial scatter that can be detected by the SuperDARN radars. Secondly, they will also be used to artificially excite waves and oscillations in the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere in a controlled manner. Such wave excitation can 'tag' magnetic field lines connected to the radar deep into the Earth's magnetosphere, where they can be detected by spacecraft. Through these means the highly uncertain paths that magnetic field lines take through the outer environment of the Earth can be experimentally pinned down for the first time. The fourth area finally considers the impact that the space environment has on the upper atmosphere of the Earth, and the onward consequences at lower altitudes that may effect Earth's climate. This work will be undertaken principally through sophisticated computer modelling of the middle and upper atmosphere, and its responses to changes in the forcing at low altitudes and in the boundary conditions at high altitudes. Substantial development of existing computer models is required to do this. The work will also inform future studies of the atmospheres of extra-solar planets.
Organisations
- University of Leicester (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Arizona (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- University of Colorado Boulder (Collaboration)
- University of Electro-Communications (Collaboration)
- University of Liege (Collaboration)
- Augsburg College (Collaboration)
- Natural Complexity Programme (Collaboration)
- Saint Petersburg State University (Collaboration)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Boston University (Collaboration)
- Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (Collaboration)
- University of New Hampshire (Collaboration)
- Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics Irkutsk (Collaboration)
- Academy of Athens (Collaboration)
- National institute for Polar Research (Collaboration)
- Observatory of Paris (Collaboration)
- University of Iowa (Collaboration)
Publications
Zhang Q. -H.
(2008)
Simultaneous tracking of reconnected flux tubes: Cluster and conjugate SuperDARN observations on 1 April 2004
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Zhang Q
(2010)
Simultaneous observations of reconnection pulses at Cluster and their effects on the cusp aurora observed at the Chinese Yellow River Station
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Yeoman T. K.
(2008)
Bistatic observations of large and small scale ULF waves in SPEAR-induced HF coherent backscatter
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Yeoman T
(2008)
Mapping ionospheric backscatter measured by the SuperDARN HF radars - Part 2: Assessing SuperDARN virtual height models
in Annales Geophysicae
Yeoman T
(2008)
Investigation of natural and artificial stimulation of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator at high latitude
in Advances in Space Research
Yeoman T
(2010)
Intermediate-<I>m</I> ULF waves generated by substorm injection: a case study
in Annales Geophysicae
Yan X
(2010)
Global observations of gravity waves from High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder temperature measurements: A yearlong record of temperature amplitude and vertical wavelength
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Wright D. M.
(2009)
Excitation thresholds of field-aligned irregularities and associated ionospheric hysteresis at very high latitudes observed using SPEAR-induced HF radar backscatter
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Woodfield E
(2010)
Combining incoherent scatter radar data and IRI-2007 to monitor the open-closed field line boundary during substorms
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Williams A. O.
(2009)
Deriving solar transient characteristics from single spacecraft STEREO/HI elongation variations: a theoretical assessment of the technique
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Wild J
(2008)
The influence of magnetospheric substorms on SuperDARN radar backscatter
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Wannawichian S
(2010)
Ten years of Hubble Space Telescope observations of the variation of the Jovian satellites' auroral footprint brightness
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Walsh A. P.
(2009)
Cluster and Double Star multipoint observations of a plasma bubble
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Volwerk M
(2008)
Magnetotail dipolarization and associated current systems observed by Cluster and Double Star
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Vickers H
(2010)
A method for improving plasma temperature estimates from incoherent scatter analysis during artificial ionospheric modification experiments
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Vanhamaki H.
(2009)
Electrodynamics of an omega-band as deduced from optical and magnetometer data
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Tsutsumi M
(2009)
Advanced SuperDARN meteor wind observations based on raw time series analysis technique
in Radio Science
Tsuda T
(2009)
Acceleration mechanism of high-speed neutral wind observed in the polar lower thermosphere
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Trattner K
(2008)
The reconnection site of temporal cusp structures
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Taylor M
(2008)
The plasma sheet and boundary layers under northward IMF: A multi-point and multi-instrument perspective
in Advances in Space Research
Tanaka K
(2010)
Merging of magnetic islands as an efficient accelerator of electrons
in Physics of Plasmas
Talboys D
(2009)
Signatures of field-aligned currents in Saturn's nightside magnetosphere
in Geophysical Research Letters
Talboys D
(2009)
Characterization of auroral current systems in Saturn's magnetosphere: High-latitude Cassini observations
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Strelnikov B
(2009)
PMSE and E-region plasma instability: In situ observations
in Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Stallard Tom
(2008)
Emission-line imaging of Saturn's H
3
+ aurora
in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
Stallard Tom
(2008)
Dusk-brightening event in Saturn's H
3
+ aurora
in ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
Stallard T
(2008)
Jovian-like aurorae on Saturn.
in Nature
Stallard T
(2010)
LOCATION AND MAGNETOSPHERIC MAPPING OF SATURN'S MID-LATITUDE INFRARED AURORAL OVAL
in The Astrophysical Journal
Stallard T
(2008)
Complex structure within Saturn's infrared aurora
in Nature
Shi J
(2010)
South-north asymmetry of field-aligned currents in the magnetotail observed by Cluster
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Shergill H
(2010)
A statistical study of the spatial distribution of Co-operative UK Twin Located Auroral Sounding System (CUTLASS) backscatter power during EISCAT heater beam-sweeping experiments
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Seran E.
(2009)
What can we learn from HF signal scattered from a discrete arc?
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Safargaleev V.
(2008)
Optical, radar, and magnetic observations of magnetosheath plasma capture during a positive IMF B
z impulse
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Rodger C
(2010)
Use of POES SEM-2 observations to examine radiation belt dynamics and energetic electron precipitation into the atmosphere
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Rae I
(2010)
Comparison of the open-closed separatrix in a global magnetospheric simulation with observations: The role of the ring current
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Pryse S. E.
(2009)
Modelling the tongue-of-ionisation using CTIP with SuperDARN electric potential input: verification by radiotomography
in ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE
Provan G
(2009)
Polarization and phase of planetary-period magnetic field oscillations on high-latitude field lines in Saturn's magnetosphere
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Provan G
(2009)
Phase relation of oscillations near the planetary period of Saturn's auroral oval and the equatorial magnetospheric magnetic field
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Palmroth M
(2010)
Magnetospheric feedback in solar wind energy transfer
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Owen C
(2008)
Cluster observations of "crater" flux transfer events at the dayside high-latitude magnetopause
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Opgenoorth H
(2010)
Day-side ionospheric conductivities at Mars
in Planetary and Space Science
Oksavik K
(2012)
In situ measurements of plasma irregularity growth in the cusp ionosphere
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Oksavik K
(2010)
On the entry and transit of high-density plasma across the polar cap
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Odzimek A
(2010)
EGATEC: A new high-resolution engineering model of the global atmospheric electric circuit-Currents in the lower atmosphere
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Nichols J
(2010)
Dawn-dusk oscillation of Saturn's conjugate auroral ovals
in Geophysical Research Letters
Nichols J
(2008)
Oscillation of Saturn's southern auroral oval
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Nichols J
(2009)
Observations of Jovian polar auroral filaments
in Geophysical Research Letters
Nichols J
(2009)
Saturn's equinoctial auroras
in Geophysical Research Letters
Nichols J
(2010)
Variation of Saturn's UV aurora with SKR phase
in Geophysical Research Letters
Nichols J
(2009)
Variation of different components of Jupiter's auroral emission
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Description | EC FP7 collaboration grant |
Amount | ÂŁ355,731 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 03/2011 |
End | 02/2014 |
Description | INTAS |
Amount | ÂŁ9,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2007 |
End | 02/2009 |
Description | Marie Curie Host Fellowship |
Amount | ÂŁ379,930 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2006 |
End | 09/2009 |
Description | NERC Falkland Islands radar grant |
Amount | ÂŁ387,267 (GBP) |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2009 |
End | 08/2013 |
Description | Royal Society-RFBR International Joint Project |
Amount | ÂŁ6,800 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2009 |
End | 05/2011 |
Description | STFC CASE studentship |
Amount | ÂŁ70,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2008 |
End | 10/2011 |
Description | STFC PIPSS |
Amount | ÂŁ226,304 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2009 |
End | 07/2011 |
Description | STFC Rolling Grant |
Amount | ÂŁ1,760,268 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2010 |
End | 03/2015 |
Description | BAS co-ownership of SuperDARN Falklands Island Radar |
Organisation | Natural Complexity Programme |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint Falkland Islands Radar, to which we supplied antennas and technical expertise |
Collaborator Contribution | Joint Falkland Islands Radar, constructed using electronics supplied by BAS |
Impact | Joint construction and operation of Falkland Islands radar |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | BAS solar wind-magnetosphere coupling collaboration |
Organisation | Natural Complexity Programme |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint analysis of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling datasets |
Impact | 5 co-authored publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Cassini MIMI data |
Organisation | Academy of Athens |
Department | Office for Space Research and Technology |
Country | Greece |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Analysis of Cassini MIMI data |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of Cassini MIMI energetic particled data |
Impact | 1 joint publication |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Cassini RPWS SKR data |
Organisation | Observatory of Paris |
Department | Laboratory for Space Science and Astrophysical Instrumentation |
Country | France |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Analysis of Cassini RPWS data |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of data derived from Cassini RPWS radio observations |
Impact | 8 joint publications |
Description | Cassini RPWS density data |
Organisation | University of Iowa |
Department | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Analysis of Cassini RPWS density data |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of data from Cassini RPWS instrument |
Impact | 6 joint publications |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Cassini VIMS data |
Organisation | University of Arizona |
Department | Lunar and Planetary Laboratory |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are part of the official VIMS/MAG collaboration and are leading the analysis of the VIMS data |
Collaborator Contribution | In making the VIMS dataset available, we have been able to do significant research, including a Nature paper in 2008 |
Impact | Significant scientific advances, including a Nature paper, as well as access to the Auroral planning team and higher status within the infrared space mission community. |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Cassini magnetometer data |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Analaysis of calibrated magnetic field data |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of calibrated Cassini magnetic field data |
Impact | 14 joint publications |
Description | Cassini plasma electron data |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Mullard Space Science Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Analysis of Cassini plasma electron data |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of Cassini plasma electron data |
Impact | 16 joint publications |
Description | Cluster research at University of New Hampshire |
Organisation | University of New Hampshire |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Discussion of results of Cluster data analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | Analysis of Cluster data on solar wind-magnetosphere interactions |
Impact | 1 joint publication |
Description | HST planetary observations |
Organisation | Boston University |
Department | Centre for Space Physics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaborative analysis of HST planetary observations |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research on HST planetary observations |
Impact | 10 joint publications |
Description | HST planetary observations |
Organisation | University of Colorado Boulder |
Department | Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaborative analysis of HST planetary observations |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research on HST planetary observations |
Impact | 10 joint publications |
Description | Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Explorer collaboration |
Organisation | University of Liege |
Department | Laboratory for Planetary and Atmospheric Physics (LPAP) |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaboration with Belgian Colleagues (esp. Hubert) in the analysis and interpretation of IMAGE global auroral images |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to data from the NASA Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) mission |
Impact | 20 co-authored publications |
Description | Ion Outflows |
Organisation | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Department | Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provided ground based radar observations of ion upwellings to complement conjugate spacecraft measurements of ion outflows |
Collaborator Contribution | Software/data analysis training Intellectual input. |
Impact | Invitation to speak at the NASA Living With a Star Targeted Research and Technology Focused Science Topic on "Ionosphere-Magnetosphere Plasma Redistribution" |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Japanese all-sky camera observations |
Organisation | National institute for Polar Research |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Coordinated observing campaigns with CUTLASS radars and all-sky cameras operated by Japanese colleages (Sato, Hosokawa) on a campaign basis |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to all-sky camera observations made chiefly in Iceland |
Impact | 14 co-authored publications |
Description | Japanese all-sky camera observations |
Organisation | University of Electro-Communications |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Coordinated observing campaigns with CUTLASS radars and all-sky cameras operated by Japanese colleages (Sato, Hosokawa) on a campaign basis |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to all-sky camera observations made chiefly in Iceland |
Impact | 14 co-authored publications |
Description | Magnetometry collaboration with Augsburg College and UNH |
Organisation | Augsburg College |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Intellectual input, analysis of data and research sctivities in conjunction with radars |
Collaborator Contribution | Data provision |
Impact | A paper by Badman et al (2009). The ground based magnetometers have provided important data supporting our high latitude activities involving the SPEAR high power radar and CUTLASS radars. |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Magnetometry collaboration with Augsburg College and UNH |
Organisation | University of New Hampshire |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Intellectual input, analysis of data and research sctivities in conjunction with radars |
Collaborator Contribution | Data provision |
Impact | A paper by Badman et al (2009). The ground based magnetometers have provided important data supporting our high latitude activities involving the SPEAR high power radar and CUTLASS radars. |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | St. Petersburg active experiments |
Organisation | Saint Petersburg State University |
Department | Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) |
Country | Russian Federation |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | collaborative science programme on analysis of ionospheric modification experiments carried out at EISCAT and SPEAR |
Collaborator Contribution | running of experiments, analysis of data |
Impact | 7 published papers |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | UCL ground-based observational data |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Department of Physics & Astronomy |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided the magnetospheric context and discussions of the magnetosphere environment to their research |
Collaborator Contribution | They have provided detailed ground-based observations that have led to significant publications, including a Nature paper |
Impact | One Nature paper, and a number of other papers, co-written by group members at Leicester |
Description | ULF wave modelling |
Organisation | Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics Irkutsk |
Country | Russian Federation |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Analysis of radar data |
Collaborator Contribution | modelling of ULF waves |
Impact | 1 published paper |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | VIMS analysis at JAXA |
Organisation | Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency |
Department | Institute of Space and Astronautical Science |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have worked together on analysing the results of the VIMS instrument, in particular applying the results of our own UV analysis in order to produce a context for the IR data. |
Collaborator Contribution | The research done by collaborators at Jaxa has included a detailed set of statistical observations that have been compared with our UV observations |
Impact | One paper so far, with at least two more currently being worked on, with the results being shown at conferences. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Art-science aurora-related presentations |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Fullattendances at two presentations at the Science Museum, London, and at an evening performance at the National Space Centre, Leicester, plus smaller presentations at lierary festivals and local societies (total number of people involved of several hundreds) Numerous requests for repeat performances |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010 |
Description | Deep Space Advertising |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We were approached by the Doritos snack company (part of Walkers) to ask if it was possible to transmit the first intentional advert into space. It lead to a UK-wide ad campaign to encourage the public to submit home made video adverts. Once selected, we worked with te EISCAT scientific organisation to encode the advert and transmit it via the EISCAT high power radar. The signal was directed towards a relatively near-by (47 LY) extrasolar planet predicted to be habitable and suggested by staff at the Space Research Centre at the University of Leicester. The activity received a lot of media attention even at the international level. The activity lead to radio interviews and telephone interviews with the BBC. We have since been approached to repeat the activity. The national TV advertising campaign brought a greater awareness of space research to the public. Doritos gave this department £6k towards summer studentsships. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Leicester Physics Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Audiences (from the public, schools and amateur societies) numberin 40-300 have attended evening lectures. The talks have appealed to people of all ages (eg. talks given by astronauts, by auroral physicists and our art-science collaborators). They have lead to lots of discussions and many of the public return for further lectures. The lecture series keep the public and schools informed of popular issues and has lead to requests from schools, societies and even universities in other countries to request follow ups. Several associated press releases have also been picked up by the press. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008,2009,2010 |