Three NASA-sponsored sounding rockets are poised for launch from Poker Flat Research Range, commencing as early as Tuesday. This ambitious endeavor seeks to unveil the intricate characteristics of three distinct types of auroras: black, flickering, and fast-pulsating. The launch period is scheduled from January 21 to February 5, providing a critical window for researchers to gather valuable insights into these mesmerizing atmospheric phenomena. Poker Flat Research Range, located along Mile 30 of the Steese Highway, is operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute under NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, which is part of the Goddard Space Flight Center.
The impending launches mark the onset of the aurora season, with Poker Flat having successfully launched 350 significant sounding rockets and around 1,800 meteorological rockets throughout its 55-year operational history. To stay informed about the launch updates, interested individuals are encouraged to text PFRRLAUNCHES to 866-485-7614. Furthermore, updates and a live streaming feed will be accessible on the Poker Flat Facebook page, ensuring that the public can engage with this captivating scientific endeavor.
Exploring the enigmatic nature of the black aurora is the primary objective of the Black and Diffuse Aurora Science Surveyor mission, spearheaded by Marilia Samara from Goddard Space Flight Center. Researchers aim to deepen their understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the formation of black auroras -- an optical variation in aurora characterized by localized regions of notably diminished auroral particle precipitation. These black auroras manifest as dark sectors interspersed within a more expansive and less vibrant diffuse aurora, captivating both scientists and observers alike.
According to Samara, the pivotal inquiry revolves around the electrons inhabiting the regions of black aurora. The team seeks to ascertain the quantity of these electrons, their energy levels, and their directional movements. While diffuse auroras often evade the naked eye due to their faintness and distribution, localized instances of black auroras exhibit a stark contrast by seemingly cutting through the auroral light, thereby captivating viewers with their dynamic and shifting nature against the backdrop of the larger auroral landscape.
With an extensive background in auroral research, Marilia Samara has a profound familiarity with Poker Flat, having previously led a rocket launch in March 2014 focused on elucidating the electron precipitation processes responsible for auroral phenomena. Her involvement extends to co-investigating several other missions at Poker Flat, including the previously mentioned Beam-PIE campaign. Samara's academic pursuits also encompass an exploration of electromagnetic waves generated within auroras, drawing on data harvested from multiple NASA rocket launches conducted at Poker Flat.
Simultaneously, another significant research initiative, Ground Imaging to Rocket Investigation of Auroral Fast Features, aims to deploy two rockets to observe the most rapid auroral variations -- namely, flickering and fast-pulsating auroras. These phenomena, while interconnected, possess distinct differences that invite thorough investigation. Principal investigator Robert Michell, also affiliated with Goddard Space Flight Center, elucidates that flickering aurora exhibits regular periodicities, in stark contrast to the random modulations characterizing fast-pulsating aurora.
Understanding the underlying causes of these auroral variations is a key focus of the mission. Michell explains that both flickering and fast-pulsating auroras are produced by electromagnetic waves interacting with electron distributions within the upper atmosphere. By closely examining these wave-particle interactions, researchers hope to illuminate the intricate dynamics at play during auroral manifestations. Interestingly, Michell's journey into the auroral research domain began following a motor failure during the CASCADES mission in 2005, prompting him to adopt a complementary approach utilizing ground-based optical imaging and radar observations.
The collaboration across multiple agencies and institutions enhances the mission's scientific rigor, with participants including the Air Force Academy, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dartmouth College, University of California Berkeley, University of Maryland, and Catholic University. Notably, UAF's involvement features esteemed faculty members, such as Professor Peter Delamere, Poker Flat Chief Scientist Don Hampton, Professor Emeritus Hans Nielsen, and Research Professor Paul Bernhardt, who are lending their expertise to support these groundbreaking studies.
For the rocket launches, NASA is employing the two-stage Black Brant IX rockets, renowned for their capability to ascend to altitudes exceeding 200 miles. This altitude is essential for scrutinizing various aspects of auroras, solar physics, and the upper atmosphere. As integral components of these missions, optical auroral observations will be conducted at a dedicated site in Venetie, situated on the Teedriinjik (formerly Chandalar) River, which lies north of the Arctic Circle, enhancing the precision of data collection during these critical moments.
In addition to the current ventures, Poker Flat Research Range is preparing for an upcoming three-rocket launch, slated for late March. This future mission, led by UAF Professor Mark Conde, will delve into the complexities of density, wind, and composition perturbations occurring in Earth's far upper atmosphere amid auroral substorm activity. With its diverse array of scientific instruments aimed at atmospheric and ionospheric research, Poker Flat has carved out its unique position as the sole scientific rocket launch facility owned by a university worldwide, offering unparalleled contributions to our understanding of space and atmospheric phenomena.
The anticipation surrounding the launches serves as a testament to the growing interest in auroral science and the essential role that collaborative research plays in unraveling the mysteries of our atmosphere. As scientists actively investigate the diverse forms of auroras, they are not only piecing together the puzzle behind these ethereal displays but also addressing fundamental questions concerning the interactions between solar emissions and Earth's magnetic field.
The convergence of scientific expertise, cutting-edge technology, and the ethereal beauty of the auroras promises an exhilarating period in the world of atmospheric research. With initial launches only days away, the scientific community eagerly awaits the revelations that these missions will bring and the profound implications they will have for our understanding of auroral phenomena, the upper atmosphere, and beyond.
Subject of Research: Auroras (Black, Flickering, and Fast-Pulsating)
Article Title: NASA Rockets to Illuminate the Mysteries of Auroras
News Publication Date: January 20, 2024
Web References: https://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code810/about.html, https://www.facebook.com/pokerflatrr
References: None provided
Image Credits: None provided
Aurora, NASA, Poker Flat, sounding rockets, black aurora, flickering aurora, fast-pulsating aurora, atmospheric research, electromagnetic waves, scientific collaboration