10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
[PEM14-06] Next generation solar wind observation system: project and science updates
Keywords:solar wind, coronal mass ejection, heliosphere, space weather, phased array
The solar wind, which is a high-speed plasma flow emanating from the Sun, interacts with the Earth's magnetosphere and can cause geomagnetic disturbances. Understanding the coupling process in solar-terrestrial system requires elucidating both the solar wind plasma flow and the corresponding response of the terrestrial environment. Interplanetary scintillation (IPS) is a radio scattering phenomenon caused by the turbulences in the solar wind. IPS observations using ground-based radio telescopes have become a crucial method for studying the global structure of the heliosphere.
Nagoya University has been leading the Next Generation Solar Wind Observation System Project to enhance IPS observation accuracy and contribute to understanding coupling process in solar-terrestrial system. The project involves constructing three flat phased array antenna system with a physical aperture area of approximately 4000 square meters that are sensitive to 327 MHz. These antennas will be equipped with a digital phased array system capable of simultaneous multi-directional observations. The multidirectional simultaneous radio scintillation observations enabled by this system will allow for solar wind monitoring at a rate ten times higher than that achieved by conventional radio instruments. The project was awarded a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S) in FY2024 and has made significant progress toward construction. As a Phase-II of this project, a prototype array, approximately 30% of the planned size, is being developed at the Fuji observatory, which will serve as the first observation site of the three array system. This presentation reports on the project's progress.
Dipole antennas were selected as the array elements, and a prototype antenna optimized for the observation bandwidth was developed. Sixteen dipole antenna elements are combined and amplified through an analog system. A low noise receiving system was designed and a prototype was developed. The synthesized signal is digitized by an ADC near the analog receiving system and transmitted via optical fiber to an FPGA-based signal processor system, which simultaneously synthesizes eight beams. We have confirmed the proper functioning of the signal processor system using calibration signal, and mass production of this system is underway.
The project aims to clarify the solar wind acceleration process through IPS observations, improve space weather forecasting accuracy, and provide insights into the global structure of the heliosphere. Additionally, by linking IPS observations with magnetospheric and atmospheric observation networks, the project will contribute to understand the coupling process in solar-terrestrial system. Scientific studies using existing IPS observation system and numerical simulations are ongoing. Notably, in early May 2024, a significant geomagnetic storm occurred, and the IPS observation successfully detected the preceding coronal mass ejections. In addition, joint observations of IPS and the Hinode satellite were conducted to investigate the source and acceleration mechanisms of the solar wind. By connecting the solar corona data observed by the Hinode satellite with the interplanetary solar wind data obtained from IPS observations along magnetic field lines, a more detailed understanding of the relationship between the Sun and interplanetary space is expected. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to build a database of IPS data for broader applications in solar-terrestrial research.
Nagoya University has been leading the Next Generation Solar Wind Observation System Project to enhance IPS observation accuracy and contribute to understanding coupling process in solar-terrestrial system. The project involves constructing three flat phased array antenna system with a physical aperture area of approximately 4000 square meters that are sensitive to 327 MHz. These antennas will be equipped with a digital phased array system capable of simultaneous multi-directional observations. The multidirectional simultaneous radio scintillation observations enabled by this system will allow for solar wind monitoring at a rate ten times higher than that achieved by conventional radio instruments. The project was awarded a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S) in FY2024 and has made significant progress toward construction. As a Phase-II of this project, a prototype array, approximately 30% of the planned size, is being developed at the Fuji observatory, which will serve as the first observation site of the three array system. This presentation reports on the project's progress.
Dipole antennas were selected as the array elements, and a prototype antenna optimized for the observation bandwidth was developed. Sixteen dipole antenna elements are combined and amplified through an analog system. A low noise receiving system was designed and a prototype was developed. The synthesized signal is digitized by an ADC near the analog receiving system and transmitted via optical fiber to an FPGA-based signal processor system, which simultaneously synthesizes eight beams. We have confirmed the proper functioning of the signal processor system using calibration signal, and mass production of this system is underway.
The project aims to clarify the solar wind acceleration process through IPS observations, improve space weather forecasting accuracy, and provide insights into the global structure of the heliosphere. Additionally, by linking IPS observations with magnetospheric and atmospheric observation networks, the project will contribute to understand the coupling process in solar-terrestrial system. Scientific studies using existing IPS observation system and numerical simulations are ongoing. Notably, in early May 2024, a significant geomagnetic storm occurred, and the IPS observation successfully detected the preceding coronal mass ejections. In addition, joint observations of IPS and the Hinode satellite were conducted to investigate the source and acceleration mechanisms of the solar wind. By connecting the solar corona data observed by the Hinode satellite with the interplanetary solar wind data obtained from IPS observations along magnetic field lines, a more detailed understanding of the relationship between the Sun and interplanetary space is expected. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to build a database of IPS data for broader applications in solar-terrestrial research.