EISCAT_3D Preparatory Phase

This week, we have the last general meeting of the preparatory phase for EISCAT_3D. This project is the next-generation incoherent scatter radar, which will be built in northern Fenno-Scandinavia and, perhaps, beyond. It is an ambitious project, which involved many participants from multiple countries. And, as this particular phase of the project is completed, we are meeting at the Space Physics Institute in Kiruna, Sweden, to discuss the work done, report on the progress made and make plans for the future of this important scientific instrument.

KAIRA has been heavily involved in the project. Although a large multi-purpose facility, capable of carrying out multiple receive-type experiments, it has been used specifically to test certain aspects of the EISCAT_3D proposal. Its deployment garnered useful experience in practical matters regarding the development of a new site and the utilisation and integration of commercially available components within the context of Arctic location and cross-disciplinary application. We have also used KAIRA for new signal processing techniques, such as allowing the lag-profile inversion, and thus accomplishing multibeam, remote-location reception of the EISCAT VHF transmitter signal. This is a critically important step in the construction and operation of \EISCAT for multi-beam, multi-static incoherent scatter radar, and thus true 3D volumetric ionospheric measurement. The KAIRA facility remains operational for on-going EISCAT development and prototyping endeavours.

Undoubtedly, KAIRA will continue to be involved in EISCAT work, and specifically the EISCAT_3D developments. But as this particular part of the project is accomplished, we want to note our involvement and wish the EISCAT Scientific Association all the best for their future goals.

LOFAR Sweden LBA complete

It wasn't long ago that we forwarded the report from our colleagues at Onsala, that they had completed their HBA. Now, they've finished the LBA field too! This photograph was taken by Robert Cumming and posted on the LOFAR-Sweden weblog:

Congratulations Onsala!

Photo: Robert Cumming, OSO.

LOFAR Sweden HBA complete

The station being installed before KAIRA is the SE607 LOFAR station at Onsala in Sweden. And, just in time for the midsommer break, the Onsala team have reported that they have completed their High-Band Array (HBA).

The completed LOFAR HBA field in Sweden. Photo: Onsala Space Observatory.

They also add that the tools are now on their way to Kilpisjärvi. That, combined with news that the shipment of tiles from the Netherlands has now also commenced means that we'll be ready to go soon.

But, for now, congratulations to the Swedish team on the successful completion of their HBA.

Link: http://lofar-se.org/

Saana's view of KAIRA

If you stand at the summit of Saana, the second highest point on the mountain obscures the view of the KAIRA site. However, if you go to there, or any of the next few ridges down on the northwest slope, there is a clear view of the road from Finland to Norway, Siilasjärvi (another lake) and KAIRA.


It's actually difficult to make out the site in the wide-angle photograph, so here's a zoomed-in view to point it out.

The cleared, flattened area just manages to stand out from the surrounding landscape. However, the stacks of timber HBA frames are very distinct.

As you can see, the site is actually closer to Siilasjärvi (although there is no town or village there, which is why it is named as it is). In fact, this image shows a piece of all three countries (Sweden, Finland and Norway). It is a very inspiring view.

Enjoy!