Aeronomy Description Supports research on upper and middle atmosphere phenomena of ionization, recombination, chemical reaction, photoemission, and transport; the transport of energy, momentum, and mass in the mesosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere system, including the processes involved and the coupling of this global system to the stratosphere below and the magnetosphere above; and the plasma physics of phenomena manifested in the coupled ionosphere-magnetosphere system, including the effects of high-power radio wave modification. About CEDAR The CEDAR concept originated in the mideighties and was developed over several years through workshops, symposia, and committee deliberations by nearly 100 scientists involved in aeronomical studies. These activities led to a comprehensive report that provided a framework for developing upper atmospheric research in the United States through an evolutionary strategy of instrument development and deployment coordinated with campaign activities related to the global scale, coupled, near earth environment. The program has attracted a large number of graduate students and many international collaborators. Guidance is provided by a science steering committee appointed by the NSF Aeronomy and Upper Atmospheric Facilities program directors; scientific feedback to the community is provided by newsletters and an annual summer workshop. Three broad categories embrace the scientific goals of the CEDAR program: (1) dynamics and energetics of the upper atmosphere, with particular emphasis on the hard to observe region between 80 and 150 km; (2) coupling between the mesosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, exosphere, and magnetosphere; and (3) horizontal coupling between adjacent geographic regions. CEDAR has provided the community with improved spectrometers, interferometers, and imagers; allowed upgrades of existing facilities; and supported the development of lidars and small radars. Several facilities have been established containing a broad array of state of the art tools to provide a solid infrastructure with which to attack outstanding aeronomy problems well into the future. A report has recently been prepared that summarizes the results from the first five years of CEDAR funding. Another important initiative for the Aeronomy Program is the National Space Weather Program. There are also strong ties between the Aeronomy Program and the Magnetospheric Physics Program (including the GEM program), the Solar-Terrestrial Program and Upper Atmosphere Facilities. Target Dates and Deadlines There are no deadlines or target dates for proposals sent in to any of the UARS base programs. However, we recommend that PIs try to send in proposals early in the fiscal year. Certain special programs within UARS do have deadlines for proposal submissions. See the table below for more information.
Program Contact(s) |
Division of Atmospheric
Sciences, NSF |