Collaborative Research: Research Infrastructure: Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment 4 (AMPERE-4)

The Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment 4 (AMPERE-4) provides scientific observations related to northern lights, or aurora borealis, through analysis of magnetic data from commercial spacecraft. AMPERE purchases data from magnetometers onboard satellites. The data allows the creation of global maps of the magnetic currents and their associated magnetic field perturbations. The AMPERE team provides access to data and derived products through web visualization, downloads, and public archives. The proposed new products could be used in satellite orbit prediction and monitoring quality of radio communications. Improving satellite orbit prediction and monitoring enhances the reliability and quality of radio communications, strengthening national security, disaster response, navigation, and communication infrastructure. The AMPERE product archive includes information from 2009 to the present. The current project will allow AMPERE-4 investigators to extend the data coverage, fill the earlier data gaps, and provide improvements to the products. The targeted improvements consist of adding data from other sources, increasing the fit resolution, estimating the full set of electrodynamic state parameters from the data, and providing systematic validation of the products. The proposed new products include upper atmospheric heating rates and electric fields. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.