Studies of Atmospheric Processes Using Imaging Science Techniques

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With this research, the Principal Investigator (PI) seeks to utilize data from an inter-hemispheric network of 13 conjugate-point all sky imagers (ASI) to investigate various upper atmosphere phenomena that are manifestation of a couple ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere (ITM) system. This study, utilizing data from instruments deployed globally, offers a unique way to make progress by studying the effects a single cause has in two hemispheres simultaneously; with high-resolution images illuminating the roles receptor conditions play for each phenomenon studied. The broader impacts of this project are very strong, spanning education and training of students, outreach activities, and international collaborations.The scientific goals of this research, i.e., to study a broad set of upper atmospheric science topics that are manifestations of highly coupled systems within and connected to the ITM regions, are highly compelling, and the utilization of a global network of imagers would open new scientific investigations enabled by this comprehensive observational capability. The distinguished high qualifications of the investigators, together with an impressive and long-standing record of significant productivity represent high likelihood of success.