Speaker
Description
This study investigates the integration of ALBUS, a software tool for ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) measurements, with the Meerkat radio telescope array in South Africa. By combining ALBUS's TEC measurement capabilities with Meerkat's radio astronomy data, we aim to improve our understanding of the African ionosphere and develop more sophisticated ionospheric correction techniques. The TEC can be estimated using the phase delay of GPS signals, providing accurate measurements for correcting ionospheric effects on radio astronomy observations.
The integration of ALBUS with Meerkat will enable the measurement of TEC over the African continent, filling a critical gap in our understanding of the ionosphere in this region. This collaboration has the potential to enhance the accuracy of Meerkat's data products, improve our understanding of the African ionosphere, and contribute to the advancement of radio astronomy research in Africa and beyond.
The proposed research will investigate the following key objectives:
- Integrate ALBUS with Meerkat's data processing pipeline to measure TEC over the African continent.
- Analyze the diurnal and seasonal variations of TEC over the Meerkat site.
- Investigate the impact of ionospheric effects on Meerkat's radio astronomy observations.
- Develop and implement sophisticated ionospheric correction techniques using ALBUS-measured TEC values.
This study will contribute to the advancement of radio astronomy research in Africa and beyond, and provide valuable insights into the African ionosphere.
| Stream | Science |
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