University of New Brunswick

Published purpose

Observing and resolving the complex interactions that occur between the solar wind, the ionosphere and the neutral atmosphere are critical to understanding the role of the upper atmosphere and space weather in the sun-earth system. The Ion-Neutral Coupling Experiment (INCE) aims to help close these gaps through the development and field testing of a new low cost, compact polarization interferometer. It is designed to observe thermospheric neutral winds from the ground and ultimately from space. Simultaneous and coincident measurements of neutral winds using this instrument and plasma drift parameters using existing ionosonde infrastructure are planned. These measurements will provide a detailed and unique window into ion-neutral coupling.