Ionosphere-thermosphere response to Space Weather Events (INTERSECT)

INTERSECT

We study the effects of Space Weather on the Earth’s ionosphere by using a combination of measurements and modelling. The key instruments are the EISCAT and EISCAT_3D radars, TomoScand ionospheric tomography, and Suomi 100 CubeSat. The project will result in new information on the processes that cause ionospheric storms in the Arctic region and may disturb satellite navigation and communication.

Project information

Project duration

-

Funded by

Research Council of Finland - Academy Project

Project funder

Research Council of Finland

Project coordinator

University of Oulu

Unit and faculty

Space Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Science

Contact information

Project leader

  • Professor
    Anita Aikio

Project description

The INTERSECT consortium studies effects of Space Weather events originating from the Sun on the ionosphere in 3 dimensions and in time (4D) by using a combination of measurements and modelling. The key instruments are the current EISCAT incoherent scatter radar facilities, the forthcoming EISCAT_3D radar, TomoScand ionospheric tomography, optical measurements, several international satellite missions, and Suomi 100 CubeSat. The measurements are combined with state-of-the-art simulations of the ionosphere, which is coupled with the thermosphere, magnetosphere and the solar wind. Radio wave propagation in the disturbed ionosphere is studied with first principles simulation based on Maxwell equations. The project will result in new quantitative information on the causes and consequences of those processes that cause ionospheric storms in the Arctic region and may disturb satellite navigation and communication. UOULU coodinates the project, FMI and Aalto are project partners.

Research groups

Ionospheric physics