Research Objectives:
Since it was discovered in the 1930s that natural phenomena emit the lowest form of electromagnetic energy (radio waves), the field of radio astronomy has joined the scientific effort to analyze both atmospheric and extraterrestrial signals. The extremely-low-frequency and very-low-frequency (ELF/VLF) record of data collected by this project at Arrival Heights-chosen because it is unusually free from manmade electromagnetic interference-now extends unbroken for almost 15 years.
The radiometers at McMurdo operate in both the ELF and VLF ranges, monitoring radio noise from natural sources such as thunderstorms. Characterizing the possible sources of radio interference is important for operational purposes. Since thunderstorms generate telltale radio signals, tracking variations in global noise reflects thunderstorm activity and thus can provide information on changes in global climate.
The Arrival Heights site is one of a network of eight such radiometers operated by Stanford University for the Office of Naval Research.
