2
Does a solar eclipse affect radio wave propagation?
If so, how? Why do we care?
http://space.rice.edu
3Image from nasa.gov
4Image from ofcom.org.uk
5
Image from http://apollo.lsc.vsc.edu
6
How does a solar eclipse affect radio wave propagation below 500 kHz?
7
WWVB Transmitter Colorado
60 kHz 24/7 US Government Time and Frequency Transmitter
Images from nist.gov
8
How does a solar eclipse affect 60 kHz radio wave propagation?
9
Need to receive and process spatially diverse signals before/during/after eclipse
Eclipse eventt = 0
Data collection Phase #1
Data collection Phase #2
Data collection Phase #3
10
Requirements
InexpensiveEasy to obtain materialsEasy to build (12 year old and up)Easy to useCollects needed data (what data?)Structured for analysisWebsite with instructions
11
System View
Antenna
ReceiverAnalog
AnalogTo Digital
ReceiverDigital
Processing Comms
LocationServices
Comms Backend Services
DataAnalysis
InsightsPublications
12
Images from nist.gov
13
Backend
Given data from collection site, how is that matched to ionosphere conditions (total eclipse, partial, none)?
What is the best way to show the effect across the US on a map?
14
Useful sites
Official site for WWVBwww.nist.gov
Great site for VLF informationwww.vlf.it
15
Collaborators
Dr. Jill Nelson George Mason Univ.Dr. Laura Lukes George Mason Univ.
16
Questions