In response to Air Force needs for specifying and forecasting conditions of the Arctic ionosphere, AFCRL's Airborne Ionospheric Laboratory, a highly instrumented NKC 135 jet aircraft, was used in an extensive Arctic research program that started in 1967. To date, 69 flights were made and ionospheric and optical data covering major parts of the auroral oval, mainly the midday sector and the night sector, were collected. During the winter months of 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1970 special emphasis was put on the investigation of the day sector. These flights covered a rather unique and poorly investigated area of the auroral oval, and a detailed report on the observations is given here. A thorough analysis of the data collected in the day sector reveals the existence of a band of continuous particle precipitation south of the location of the discrete aurora. This precipitation hardens towards the south and results in E- and D-region ionization. These observations compare very well with measurements of precipitating particles done by satellite. The investigation of the evening and night sectors showed similar but less organized trends than on the day side. During several flights the continuity of the auroral oval was verified. The investigation indicates that, with additional measurements, it may be possible to develop a model of the Arctic ionosphere. With control measurements from a few ideally located ground stations, the dynamics of the Arctic ionosphere might then be utilized for forecasting propagation conditions in the Arctic. (Author).

Just over one hundred years ago Kristian Birkeland looked into the night sky of his native Norway and saw in the beautiful Northern Lights a mystery waiting to be solved. Determined to prove to the world his bold theory about the heavens above, this misunderstood genius began a quest that would take him from Norway's ice mountains to the deserts of Africa, and across a continent ravaged by war. It was a quest that alienated friends and family, ruined his health and sanity, and ended in his mysterious death in a Japanese hotel in 1917. Lucy Jago brilliantly tells the fascinating and tragic story of Kristian Birkeland, the man who saw in the night sky a secret that no one else could see, but who died trying to convince the world of his vision.

This book demonstrates that the method, based on the ground polar cap magnetic observations is a reliable diagnosis of the solar wind energy coming into the magnetosphere Method for the uninterruptive monitoring of the magnetosphere state (i.e. space weather). It shows that the solar wind energy pumping power, can be described by the PC growth rate, thus, the magnetospheric substorms features are predetermined by the PC dynamics. Furthermore, it goes on to show that the beginning and ending of magnetic storms is predictable. The magnetic storm start only if the solar energy input into the magnetosphere exceeds a certain level and stops when the energy input turns out to be below this level.

Authoritative account written for the general reader.

An interdisciplinary review of research in geomagnetism, aeronomy and space weather, written by eminent researchers from these fields.

This one-stop reference is a perfect resource for anyone interested in the North and South Poles, whether their interest relates to history, wildlife, or the geography of these regions in the news today. Global warming, a hot topic among scholars of geography and science, has led to increased interest in studying the earth's polar ice caps, which seem to be melting at an alarming rate. This accessible, two-volume encyclopedia lays a foundation for understanding global warming and other issues related to the North and South Poles. Approximately 350 alphabetically arranged, user-friendly entries treat key terms and topics, important expeditions, major figures, territorial disputes, and much more. Readers will find information on the explorations of Cook, Scott, Amundsen, and Peary; articles on humpback whales, penguins, and polar bears; and explanations of natural phenomena like the Aurora Australis and the polar night. Expedition tourism is covered, as is climate change. Ideal for high school and undergraduate students studying geography, social studies, history, and earth science, the encyclopedia will provide a better understanding of these remote and unfamiliar lands and their place in today's world.

The aurora, or northern lights, is the most variable light phenomenon in the sky and the result of physical processes taking place in near-Earth space. The colours, shapes, intensities, locations and movements of auroral forms give us information about these processes. Ground-based optical studies are superior for high-resolution measurements and to distinguish temporal and spatial effects. Arctic Europe is a most convenient place to study the aurora. Many instruments and research facilities have been placed here. The Network for Groundbased Optical Auroral Research in the Arctic Region is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and consists of all research institutions in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and on theKola Peninsula active in optical auroral research. This reportintroduces optical aurora and optical research methods, research institutions and research infrastructure. It also describes the activities of the network: workshops, mobility programme and scientific results.