Space Weather: LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) Design Study for Space Weather

Investigator(s):

Joseph Salah (PI) ; Colin Lonsdale (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA 02139 6172531000

Start Date/Expiration Date

2003-07-15 to 2006-06-30 (amended 2005-03-31)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$212,400

Abstract: The capabilities of the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) for the observation of solar transient events such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and for mapping of density and velocity structures in the inner heliosphere will be ascertained. The necessary requirements for LOFAR to contribute to space weather studies will subsequently be determined. An exploration of the feasibility of determining the magnetic field within a CME, by Faraday rotation of the polarization of cosmic sources, will be conducted. This would provide a novel and extremely important input to the determination of the geo-effectiveness of CMEs impacting the magnetosphere. These activities will contribute to the development of advanced remote sensing instrumentation for improved detection and understanding of key space weather phenomena.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0317957

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Paul Bellaire
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences

NSF Program(s):

SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

NATURAL DISASTERS, 9196

Program Element Code(s):

1523