New Millenium Studies of Geospace with the Millstone Hill Observatory

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This five-year award continues the operation of the Millstone Hill Observatory in conjunction with scientific investigations of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. The Millstone Hill Observatory is part of the Haystack Observatory, located near Westford, Massachusetts. The observatory is situated at a magnetic latitude of 55 degrees, such that its extensive field of view for ionospheric observations encompasses the full extent of mid-latitude, sub-auroral, and auroral features and processes. The radar is operated about 1000 hours per year in support of several community-driven science programs, as well as individual investigator requests. The research emphasis of the observatory staff includes a broad range of topics involving processes and dynamics of the thermosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere, along with investigations of plasma waves and magnetic storm effects. In addition to scientific research, the staff supports outside users by developing means for efficient access to the observed and analyzed parameters via the World Wide Web. Web access is also used for scheduling usage of the instruments, coordinating community-interaction workshops, and disseminating education and outreach materials. Broader impacts of the Millstone Hill program include mentoring of undergraduate students, scientific contributions to space weather and global change forecasting, and dissemination of data for scientific and educational use.