AER 103: Remote Sensing of Noctilucent Clouds

Description

AER 103 provides a foundation in the remote sensing of the mesosphere through the imagery and remote sensing of noctilucent cloud structures. Observations are made through airborne and/or balloon-borne observations, synchronized with ground or satellite observations. AER 103 also introduces students to the principles and operations of atmospheric LIDAR and Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) techniques for mesospheric observations culminating in hands-on operations of facilities at Poker Flat Observatory near Fairbanks, AK.

Balloon Project: As part of the course, AER 103 students will participate in the design and development of a gyro-stabilized scientific balloon along with a low-light camera payload.

May 24 to July 26: Online Preparation and Balloon Development

Week 1 (May 24, 2023): Noctilucent cloud science and monitoring (A. Mauduit), Introduction to scientific ballooning (Starspec), Facilitated balloon design project (J. Reimuller, K. Ernandes)

Week 2 (May 31, 2023) Principles of astrophotography, Gear for astrophotography,  (A. Mauduit), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 1: Systems Overview and Sizing, Balloon Selection.

Week 3 (June 7, 2023): Photogrammetry, camera settings and techniques designed for noctilucent cloud photography,  scientific aurora imagery techniques, filming and timelapse photography (A. Mauduit), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 2: Payload Sizing, Preliminary Design Review

Week 4 (June 14, 2023): Principles of LiDAR for atmospheric observation (Vishnu), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 3: Gyro-stabilization and Pointing 1

Week 5 (June 21, 2023): Principles of LiDAR for atmospheric observation, continued (Vishnu), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 4: Gyro-stabilization and Pointing 2

Week 6 (June 28, 2023): Techniques of LiDAR observation (Vishnu), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 5: Pendulation Mitigation

Week 7 (July 5, 2023): Techniques of LiDAR observation (Vishnu), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 6: Gondola, Thermal.

Week 8 (July 12, 2023): Introduction to techniques of observation using Incoherent Scatter Radar (UAF), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 7: Critical Design Review, Hang Test

Week 9 (July 19, 2023): Introduction to techniques of observation using Incoherent Scatter Radar (UAF), ONLINE DESIGN WORKSHOP 8: Tracking, Weather, Consumable Handling, Launch and Recovery Operations

Week 10 (July 26, 2023): PMC-Turbo imagery analysis methods, Considerations for Airborne Imagery (J. Reimuller, D. Fritts)

1 – 8 August, 2023: On-site NLC Campaign at Fairbanks AK.

31 July:

• Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska
• 1800-2000: Flight Readiness Review

1 August

• 8:30-9:00 Opening Remarks and Introductions
• 9:00-9:45 Review of Fundamental Concepts: Ionospheric Modification by High-Power HF
  Radio Waves – B. Watkins
• 10:00-10:45 Properties of Waves in Vacuum, Plasma, and Other Media – P. Bernhardt
• 11:00-11:45 Introduction to Radio Wave Propagation & API – D. Hysell
• 13:00-13:45 Field-Aligned Irregularities – D. Hysell
• 14:00-16:30 Geophysical Institute Tour
• 00:00-04:00 NLC observations: ½ team at the LIDAR facility, ½ team on field camera site
• Balloon launch on suitable evening (Each student will have the opportunity to participate in launch or recovery operations)

2 August

• 8:30-9:15 Introduction to ELF/VLF Wave Studies – V. Sonwalkar
• 9:30-11:45 ELF/VLF Waves Activities – A. Reddy
• 12:30-1:15 ELF/VLF Generation via D-Region Heating – M. Golkowski
• 13:30-16:30 Poker Flat Tour
• 00:00-04:00 NLC observations: ½ team at the LIDAR facility, ½ team on field camera site
• Balloon launch on suitable evening (Each student will have the opportunity to participate in launch or recovery operations)

3 August

• 8:30-9:15 GNSS Observations of Artificial Heating Effects at HAARP – J. Morton
• 9:30-10:15 Fundamentals of Ground-based Optical Studies – D. Hampton
• 10:30-11:15 Machine Learning Techniques for Data Analysis – D. Ozturk
• 00:00-04:00 NLC observations: ½ team at the LIDAR facility, ½ team on field camera site
• Balloon launch on suitable evening (Each student will have the opportunity to participate in launch or recovery operations)

4 August

• 1400-1700: Special topic seminar, data analysis.
• 00:00-04:00 NLC observations: ½ team at the LIDAR facility, ½ team on field camera site
• Balloon launch on suitable evening (Each student will have the opportunity to participate in launch or recovery operations.

5 August

• 1400-1700: Special topic seminar, data analysis.
• 00:00-04:00 NLC observations: ½ team at the LIDAR facility, ½ team on field camera site
• Balloon launch on suitable evening (Each student will have the opportunity to participate in launch or recovery operations.

6 Aug: HAARP field trip

• 13:00-17:00 Travel to Gakona

7 Aug: HAARP field trip

• 0700-0830 Travel from Gakona to HAARP
• 8:30-9:00 HAARP Welcome and Introductions
• 9:00-12:00 HAARP Tour
• 1200-1300 Lunch
• 1300-1800: Return to Fairbanks

All lodging and local transportation is provided from 31 July to 7 August.

RECOVERY OPERATIONS: Two seats are available to participate in the helicopter-based recovery operation for $750 each.

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