Namir E. Kassim (Naval Research Laboratory), Stephen M. White (AFRL), Paul Rodriquez (Consultant), Jacob M. Hartman (Naval Research Laboratory), Brian C. Hicks (Naval Research Laboratory), Joseph Lazio (Naval Research Laboratory), Kenneth P. Stewart (Naval Research Laboratory), Joseph Craig (University of New Mexico), Gregory B. Taylor (University of New Mexico), Charles Cormier (New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology), Van Romero (New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology), Fredrick Jenet (University of Texas)
Keywords: long wavelength array
Abstract:
The Long Wavelength Array (LWA), currently under construction in New Mexico, will be an imaging HF/VHF interferometer providing a new approach for studying the Sun-Earth environment from the surface of the sun to the Earths ionosphere. The LWA will be a powerful tool for solar physics and space weather investigations, through its ability to characterize a diverse range of low-frequency, solar-related emissions, thereby increasing our understanding of particle acceleration and shocks in the solar atmosphere along with their impact on the Sun-Earth environment. As a passive receiver the LWA will directly detect Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) in emission, and indirectly through the scattering of cosmic background sources as they propagate towards Earth. If coupled with a suitable transmitter, the LWA would be an excellent receiver for solar radar, potentially demonstrating accurate geomagnetic storm prediction from the Earths surface. Both radar and passive receiving techniques could monitor the Sun-Earth environment during daytime as a compliment to nighttime space weather remote sensing techniques. The LWA will also naturally provide a measure of small-scale spatial and temporal ionospheric structure, a pre-requisite for accurate calibration and imaging of solar and space weather phenomena. As a sensitive monitor of differences in total electron content (TEC) through the ionosphere, the LWA will provide an unprecedented characterization of ionospheric turbulence and waves, capable of testing predictions of global ionospheric models with an aim towards improving their accuracy through input to physics-based models. As a fully digital, multi-beaming instrument, the LWA can monitor the Sun daily with a dedicated solar beam, while simultaneously pursuing ionospheric and astrophysics science programs both day and night. In this paper we present an overview of the LWA, currently under construction in New Mexico, and discuss the scientific goals of the project in the areas of solar, ionospheric, and solar radar applications.
Date of Conference: September 14-17, 2010
Track: Posters