Search
Directions
Japanese 
Division for Ionospheric and Magnetospheric Research
Division for Ionospheric and Magnetospheric Research
(a) EISCAT
(b) Ground Network Observation
(c) Space Exploration
Ionospheric and Magnetospheric Environment investigates the physical processes of energy transfer from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere and the thermosphere, including auroral phenomena and from lower to upper atmosphere at various latitudes. The investigation is made on the basis of ground-based network observations using radio and optical equipment over the world, multi-instrument observations at the site of the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radars in northern Norway, and in-situ space observations by satellite-borne equipment. Facilities to develop satellite-borne plasma instruments have been operated. This Division consists of the three groups, “EISCAT”, “Ground Network Observation” , and “Space Exploration”.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The regions surrounding the Earth, from the upper layers of the atmosphere to the boundary of the geomagnetic field beyond which the solar wind flows, are studied in the Division of Ionospheric and Magnetospheric Environment. We try to understand the flow of particles and mass transport, energy balance, electrodynamic processes, and last, but not least, auroras.
 |
 |
 |
Our experimental activity includes both ground-based observations and measurements made from rockets and satelllites. Optical instruments, radars, magnetometers, and radio wave detectors are used to provide information about temperature, wind velocity, plasma density, atmospheric waves, convection, chemical composition, and electric current flow. Most instruments are operated in collaboration with scientific institutions both inside and outside Japan. Together with our observations, we use models to identify the physical processes involved in the interactions among the atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere. The data serve as input to simulations carried out in the Laboratory and other institutions.
EISCAT Group
At the site of the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radars in northern Norway, we are carrying out multi-instrument observations under international collaboration.
 |
 |
 |
Ground Network Observation Group
We are conducting ground-based network observations using radio and optical equipment over the world.
 |
 |
 |
Space Exploration Group
We are developing satellite-borne plasma instruments.
 |
 |
 |