A novel but technologically demonstrated Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) is applied to 630 nm observations. These observations bring the order-of-magnitude sensitivity required to untangle the long-standing mystery of the thermospheric dynamics producing the midnight temperature maximum (MTM). The Fabry-Perot is first fielded at the Arecibo Observatory to simultaneously apply the nested diagnostics of the incoherent scatter radar and all-sky imaging to resolution of the MTM dynamical source. Subsequently, the instrument is moved to Argentina to fill a gap in the growing chain of optical instruments for aeronomy research in South America.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
Application #
0403786
Program Officer
Richard A. Behnke
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2004-07-01
Budget End
2008-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$494,794
Indirect Cost
Name
Clemson University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Clemson
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29634