This study addresses the design of next-generation incoherent scatter radar experiments used to study the ionosphere, particularly with systems that have multiple sites. We have developed a method to estimate uncertainties of measurements of plasma density, temperature, and ion drift. Our method is open-source, and helps to optimize radar configurations and assess the effectiveness of an experiment. This method ultimately serves to enhance our understanding of Earth's space environment.

We use NO column density data from the Syowa station in Antarctica from 2012–2017. We compare these ground-based radiometer observations with results from a global atmosphere model to understand the year-to-year and day-to-day variability, shortcomings of current electron forcing, and how geomagnetic storms are driving the variability of NO. Our results demonstrate an underestimation in the magnitude of day-to-day variability in simulations, which calls for improved electron forcing in models.

Increases in middle atmospheric water vapour from the 2022 Hunga eruption have been measured worldwide. This study uses remote sensing measurements at two latitudes and accurate radiative transfer modeling to show significant long-wave heating effects. Though minimal at the surface, the water vapour enhancement can alter middle-atmospheric dynamics, potentially affecting ozone chemistry and weather patterns.

In this paper, we propose a new method for identifying anomalous electromagnetic phenomena in the ionosphere before and after earthquakes. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts in earthquake prediction. By analyzing satellite data from CSES-01 and applying a novel decomposition technique, we identify significant electric field disturbances prior to the May 11, 2023, Tonga Islands earthquake. We believe this work contributes to the broader understanding of seismic precursors.

The magnetic mirror force bends the orbits of electrons precipitating into the atmosphere. It has been suggested that relativistic electrons make much less ionization due to the force than if it did not exist, but the actual effectivity in the atmospheric electron density has not been revealed. We used conjugated observational data from the ELFIN satellite and the EISCAT Tromsø radar to find that the electron density decreased by about 40 % at 80 km altitude because of the force.

We investigate the subauroral flux maximum (at 60° North/South geomagetic) observed in low-energy particle channels. Two independent atmospheric impact measurements refute the subauroral flux under low Kp, pointing to instrumental crosstalk, likely from energetic electrons. We propose correction methods to mitigate contamination, ensuring accurate ionization estimates. Without correction, subauroral flux overestimates thermospheric ionization, underscoring the need for data refinement.

Extreme events can pose serious risks to satellites, potentially disrupting communication, navigation, and power systems. Our study estimates the worst-case radiation levels during such an event and assesses their impact on electronics and solar panels. 

The ionosphere, formed by atmospheric ionization, contains free electrons and ions. Incoherent Scatter Radar probes it using high-frequency electromagnetic pulses, revealing ionospheric properties. Plasma lines, weak at thermal equilibrium, are enhanced and become detectable due to strong solar or auroral activity. This study develops methodologies to detect plasma lines, showing their strength decreases as the scattering radar beam is more oblique to the Earth's magnetic field.

This study uses the data from the FAST spacecraft orbiting over the auroral regions to study the evolution of the energy inputs that result from a CME, and how that energy increases the outflow of ionospheric plasma. We found that the various forms of energy are all enhanced during the initial phase of a storm, when a shock from the CME hits the earth, and main phase of the storm, when there is the strongest magnetic interaction with the earth.