Science Goals for a High-Frequency Radar and Radio Imaging Array

Abstract

We are developing a 2 to 25 MHz, medium and high frequency (MF/HF) antenna array, for radar and radio imaging of the ionosphere. This white paper contains a discussion of the science goals for the array.Science goals include the study of space weather, ionospheric structure and dynamics, meteors, lightning, radio propagation, and plasma physics. Radio imaging is ideal for the study of stimulated ionospheric radio emissions, such as those induced by the Arecibo Observatory high-power HF radio transmitter, which is likely to be restored to operation in the near future.The main array will consist of 64 active crossed antenna elements within a 400-meter-diameter area. Relocatable cable-less antenna elements will also be included, with phase maintained through the use of GPS-disciplined rubidium clocks. These elements may be used independently, or together with the main array for improved imaging resolution.The proposed location is at the site of the former U.S. Air Force Ramey Solar Observatory (RSO), in Aguadilla in northwest Puerto Rico. Radar imaging will be done in collaboration with the University of Colorado and NOAA HF radar system located at the USGS San Juan Observatory in Cayey, 110 km from Aguadilla.A technical description of the array is included in a companion white paper, Technical Design of a High-Frequency Antenna Array for Radar and Radio Imaging of the Ionosphere.