SANAE HF radar

Abstract

The scientific goal of the SANAE HF radar programme is to increase understanding of important aspects of the dynamics of the high latitude ionosphere, thermosphere and magnetosphere, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling; the interaction of the magnetosphere with the solar wind and the energy transfer mechanisms between the solar wind, the magnetosphere, the ionosphere and the upper atmosphere; as well as the impacts of the above processes. The SANAE HF radar is part of an international network of 35 similar radars in both hemispheres that work together to provide global coverage and unified data products, and is Africa's only contribution. By virtue of the fact that there are relatively few HF radars in the southern hemisphere, and that the SANAE radar was upgraded to the most advanced technical version in the network, we find ourselves in a relatively unique position to tackle new and interesting scientific problems. At the same time, this radar project is the most successful worldwide in terms of graduating postgraduate students, who learn a wide range of transferable skills at a high level. A major part of this proposal is for technical and engineering developments as well as radio wave propagation studies, and also operations in a challenging environment.