Space Environment Physics group, Physics & Astronomy
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Ocean and Earth Science
Abstract
The aurora is a result of energised charged particles (electrons and protons) travelling down the Earth's magnetic field lines and colliding with the neutral atmosphere. These collisions ionise and excite the constituent atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere, which can have important implications for the chemistry and climate of the region. The production of NOx and HOx by energetic particle precipitation has been shown to cause substantial changes in ozone concentration in the middle atmosphere. The electric currents associated with the aurora can also cause heating of the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere. The Space Environment Physics group in Southampton has recently developed a technique to measure the neutral temperature at 3 different altitudes simultaneously using aurora and airglow emissions observed by an advanced spectrograph located in the high Arctic. This PhD project has 3 main aims: 1) to further develop this new technique so that it can be automatically applied with no human input while still producing reliable results; 2) to design a prototype instrument with the specific function of measuring the neutral temperature in the upper atmosphere, using the new technique; 3) to study how the neutral temperature responds to different auroral processes and different "space weather" conditions.
Methodology:
This project will use two state-of-the-art optical instruments ("ASK" and "HiTIES") situated on Svalbard, in the high Arctic. HiTIES (High Throughput Imaging Echelle Spectrograph) is an advanced spectrograph which can record spectra at high resolution (0.1 nm) in multiple non-contiguous wavelength regions, using custom mosaic filters supplied by HORIBA UK Ltd., our industrial partner. A newly developed technique uses HiTIES observations to measure the neutral temperature simultaneously at 3 altitudes in the ionosphere. During this project, the new technique will be combined with an algorithm for automatically calibrating the spectra, and several "quality control" steps will be automated, so that the technique can be reliably applied with no human input (aim 1). A new instrument will be designed specifically for measuring ionospheric neutral temperature, in collaboration with our industrial partner (aim 2). ASK (Auroral Structure and Kinetics) consists of three highly-sensitive cameras. In combination with an ionospheric model, the ASK observations allow the energy and flux of auroral electron precipitation to be imaged, which makes an extremely powerful tool for understanding the physics of dynamic, fine-scale auroral structure. Simultaneous ASK and HiTIES observations will be used to study how specific properties of the aurora affect the neutral temperature (aim 3).
Methodology:
This project will use two state-of-the-art optical instruments ("ASK" and "HiTIES") situated on Svalbard, in the high Arctic. HiTIES (High Throughput Imaging Echelle Spectrograph) is an advanced spectrograph which can record spectra at high resolution (0.1 nm) in multiple non-contiguous wavelength regions, using custom mosaic filters supplied by HORIBA UK Ltd., our industrial partner. A newly developed technique uses HiTIES observations to measure the neutral temperature simultaneously at 3 altitudes in the ionosphere. During this project, the new technique will be combined with an algorithm for automatically calibrating the spectra, and several "quality control" steps will be automated, so that the technique can be reliably applied with no human input (aim 1). A new instrument will be designed specifically for measuring ionospheric neutral temperature, in collaboration with our industrial partner (aim 2). ASK (Auroral Structure and Kinetics) consists of three highly-sensitive cameras. In combination with an ionospheric model, the ASK observations allow the energy and flux of auroral electron precipitation to be imaged, which makes an extremely powerful tool for understanding the physics of dynamic, fine-scale auroral structure. Simultaneous ASK and HiTIES observations will be used to study how specific properties of the aurora affect the neutral temperature (aim 3).
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/R009783/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 1942351 | Studentship | NE/R009783/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | David Price |
| Description | This work was concerned with developing a new technique that allows us to measure the temperature of the neutral atmosphere in the region surrounding the aurora. We were able to show, at smaller spatial scales than ever observed before, that the electric currents which flow through the atmosphere to create the aurora also significantly heat it. By doing this we are able to better quantify the energy budget of the atmosphere, and subsequently improve our modelling and understanding of the Earth's atmosphere. |
| Exploitation Route | By discerning the degree at which the atmosphere is heated at the small scale, something not done before, this work will be able to more accurately inform further work into investigating the coupling between the ionosphere and magnetosphere, the large scale energy budget in the polar regions and fundamental questions about the core formation mechanisms of auroral structures of varying morphologies and local times. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Other |
| Title | EISCAT Radar Dataset Obtained |
| Description | I was awarded 20 hours of operating time on the ESR (EISCAT Svalbard Radar) to obtain data relevant to my research and PhD. EISCAT (European Incoherent Scatter) is an international association supported by research organisations in China (CRIRIP), Finland (SA), France (CNRS, until 2006), Germany (DFG), Japan (NIPR and STEL), Norway (NFR), Sweden (VR) and the United Kingdom (STFC and NERC). |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | N/A. This data is planned to be used in the following year to further my research. |
| Title | Novel technique for measuring neutral temeprature changes associated with the electrodynamics of auroral arcs. |
| Description | I have developed a novel technique, that combines a number of observational instruments- both optical and radar based, that allows for the accurate determination of the neutral temperatures in the altitude range of the auroral emission. This technique produces measurements at unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. The impact of the electrodynamics responsible for the formation of the auroral structures on the neutral temperature of the atmosphere at auroral altitudes can then be studied in detail. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This technique will allow for further investigation into the electrodynamics and magneto-spheric processes responsible for the formation of auroral structures. |
| Description | Aurora Zoo and Planeterrella Outreach |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Have during the course of my PhD demonstrated the University of Southamptons's Planeterrella exhibit and its Aurora Zoo outreach activities at events for the general public, such as: Farnborough air show, Light up Poole and during the Science Museum's Space Week, as well as to various school groups who have visited the University. Often this involved in-depth and extended conversations with members of the public or the school groups pertaining too the aurora, my research, my career path and chiefly the exhibitions themselves. Numerous forms of feedback have been collected concerning what was learnt by individuals who were engaged, and the aurora zoo program is constantly collection statistical data to be used in a future citizen science program. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| URL | http://aurorazoo.org |