Project Title

First Conjugate-Station Studies and Continued Satellite-Conjunction Studies of LF/MF/HF Auroral Radio Emissions at South Pole

Summary

Event Number:
A-128-S
NSF / OPP Award 2205753

Program Director:
Dr. David Porter

ASC POC/Implementer:
Marissa Goerke / Sheryl Seagraves

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. James LaBelle
James.W.LaBelle@dartmouth.edu
Dartmouth College
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Hanover, New Hampshire

Location

Supporting Stations: South Pole Station
Research Locations: South Pole Station, B2 Laboratory

Description

This project studies the relationship between auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) observed by distant satellites and ground-level AKR-like signals and tests current theories on how these phenomena are connected. These phenomena are best (and often can only be) observed from Antarctica because AKR-like signals cannot be regularly observed in the northern hemisphere due to human-made radio frequency interference. Radio receivers will operate at South Pole Station during anticipated conjunctions with the Cluster satellite high-resolution wave instrument, enabling simultaneous measurements of AKR fine structure at both locations.

While this project will end in 2026-27, continued operation of some instruments by other long-term observational programs is under discussion. Any equipment not passed to another project will be retrograded in the coming seasons.

Field Season Overview

The current level of technician support to maintain computers in the science lab and vault will continue through December 2026, after which the A-128 project will cease. The A-111 project will assess and may incorporate components of A-128. Any remaining components will be removed and retrograded. Research associate and cargo support will be required to dismantle the outside and inside components of the experiment, dispose of components, and ship components back to Port Hueneme, California, for onward transport to Dartmouth College.