Measurement Techniques in Space Physics

The course is available as a singular course. The course is also available to exchange students and Fulbright students.

This course introduces fundamental measurement techniques commonly used in ionospheric and magnetospheric research. Students will explore the principles and applications of a variety of instruments which may include radars, ionosondes, riometers, optical devices, and selected satellite and rocket-based instrumentation. Particular attention will be given to how these methods are used in scientific research to study ionospheric and space weather phenomena.

While the course provides an overview of multiple instruments, some emphasis is placed on incoherent scatter radar (ISR) techniques. Students will learn about the fundamentals of radar scattering, the retrieval of standard ionospheric parameters from the ISR spectrum, and some key aspects of radar operation including range-time diagrams, pulse coding techniques, etc.

By the end of the course, students are expected to have a solid understanding of how different observational tools are used to advance scientific knowledge and to address key research questions in space physics.

Knowledge - students can:

• Explain the principles of key measurement techniques relevant for ionospheric and magnetospheric research.
• Discuss how different instruments and observational techniques can be used to study ionospheric and space weather phenomena.
• Understand the principles behind incoherent radar scattering and the retrieval of standard ionospheric parameters.

Skills - students can:

• Plan and contribute to experiments using ISR and other observational platforms.
• Combine and use data from multiple instruments, including ISR, ionosondes, riometers, in-situ observations, optical systems, etc.
• Interpret observational data to address scientific questions relevant to Space physics research.

General Expertise - students can:

• Discuss the principles and applications of different measurement techniques used for Space physics studies.
• Conduct and discuss research studies based on observational data of the Near-Earth Space environment

Recommended prerequisites

FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics, FYS-3003 Space Physics, STA-2003 Time series

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• FYS-3002 Techniques for investigating the near-earth space environment 10 ects
• FYS-320 Techniques for Investigating the near-Earth Space Environment 10 ects

Lectures: 40 hours

Project work/seminars: 40 hours

The course will be taught through a combination of instruction and practical exercises and may include fieldwork at the major observational sites in northern Norway.

Language of instruction and examination

Schedule

This course is open for inbound exchange students with a Bachelor's degree in physics or similar education.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: INBOUND STUDENT MOBILITY: COURSE COORDINATORS AT THE FACULTIES | UiT

Re-sit examination