Polar Space Weather Studies

Abstract

The main of goal of the Polar Space Weather Studies (PSWS) project is to enable the observation of high latitude space physics phenomena for research and operational purposes through the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

Therefore, the requirements set out in this proposal are mainly to provide for the maintenance and installation of instruments and the the dissemination of data from these instruments.

The lack of suitable locations in the southern high latitudes makes the South African footprint in the southern ocean and on the Antarctic continent a valuable asset for space physicists and the general public through the space weather applications described below. South Africa’s geographically advantageous position allows for a unique suite of instruments placed on the Marion Island (MI), Gough Island (GI), and SANAE IV bases, and on board the SA Agulhas II research vessel (SAA).

The data collected by this network of instruments allows SANSA and its partners to conduct cutting edge research, develop products for industry while developing human capital through post-graduate student supervision, appointments of technicians and engineers, and science outreach efforts.

Research is done on a variety of topics within space physics, broadly outlined as 1. GNSS perturbation studies 2. Low frequency waves as ionospheric and magnetospheric probes 3. Geomagnetic field observations 4. Investigating conjugate auroras with optical instruments 5. Radiation belt studies with riometer observations 6. Cosmic ray and dosimetry studies

This proposal outlines ongoing and new research efforts in collaboration with national and international partners. We will highlight how existing and new research and partners, from academia and industry, will fit in to the project and the broader themes and aims of the National Research Foundation.