Analysis of Data Obtained by a Balloon-Borne Study of the Ionospheric Electric Field of the South Geographic Pole

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This grant provides for the continued analysis of electric field and auroral x-ray data that were acquired on a series of eight balloon flights (out of 10 attempted launches) from the South Pole Station in the austral summer of 1985-86. The data set is unique, and when compared with data from other sources such as South Pole ground based instruments and magnetically conjugate radars it should provide new insight into the processes that accelerate magnetospheric electrons into the atmosphere. The data will also be compared with satellite data to determine the conditions during which several different auroral phenomena occur. This project was carried out in conjunction with the University of Maryland. Funding is also provided for the support of undergraduate students under the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program. The University of Houston and the scientists are uniquely equipped to carry out this research.