RAL Space InvolvementThe RAL EISCAT Group supports the work of UK scientists
Subject
Solar Terrestrial Physics
Main Objectives
To study the ionosphere, the ionised region of the Earth's atmosphere
Contact
Ian McCrea
Current Phase
Current
Description
The European Incoherent SCATter (EISCAT) facility consists of three radar systems in Northern Scandinavia. Present research is mainly into solar influences of Earth's environment in conjunction with many spacecraft, including ESA's Cluster quartet, and coupling between atmospheric layers in the context of global change driven by the Sun and by human activities. In addition, the radars monitor the rapid growth of the pollution of near-Earth space with space debris. The next generation of radars will also study meteorites from inside and outside the solar system, give unique new understanding of the origins of our solar system, aid the search for Earth-like extrasolar planets, and provide vital monitoring of the Sun for mitigation of radiation hazards on manned and robotic missions of space discovery.
Further Project Information
EISCAT
