AGU Chapman Conference on Longitude and Hemispheric Dependence of Space Weather
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
12–16 November 2012
Conference Objectives and General Description
This international Chapman conference expands upon previous meetings on space weather in at least two ways:
- Emphasis will be on the hemispheric and longitudinal dependence of the ionosphere and thermosphere response to major solar events.
- Expansion of the study of space weather by examining the Earth system response during times when solar and geomagnetic activity are not so extreme; for instance plasma irregularities or "bubbles" can occur on any night even when geomagnetic activity is benign, and have a severe impact on satellite communication and GPS navigation.
The conference will have at least two broader objectives:
- Assemble an international group of heliophysics scientists to plan and discuss current and needed observations at mid and low latitudes in the African longitude sector, a region that has never been explored in detail using ground-based instruments. In order to have a complete global understanding of equatorial ionosphere motion and take the global modeling effort one step forward, deployment of ground-based instruments in Africa is essential. Therefore, strong interaction between scientists from instrument donor and host institutes is crucial in order to have successful instrument deployment and continuous data retrieval process.
- Enhance the space science education and research interest in the continent. The interaction between African and other international scientists will significantly spark interest in space science education and research throughout Africa. It will facilitate international collaborations, gain exposure in African universities, and encourage the next generation of African scientists to become inspired by space science. The conference will also provide ideal opportunities for African scientists and graduate students to communicate their scientific results to the international scientific community.
The conference will be focused on at least six main science themes: (1) Hemispherical Dependence of Magnetospheric Energy Injection and the Thermosphere-Ionosphere Response; (2) Longitude and Hemispheric Dependence of Storm-Enhanced Densities (SED); (3) Response of the Thermosphere and Ionosphere to X-Ray and EUV Time-History During Flares; (4) Quiet-Time Longitude Spatial Structure in Total Electron Content and Electrodynamics; (5) Temporal Response to Lower-Atmosphere Disturbances; and (6) Ionospheric Irregularities and Scintillations.
Conveners
Tim Fuller-Rowell, University of Colorado and NOAA, USA
Endawoke Yizengaw, Boston College, USA
Patricia Doherty, Boston College, USA
Gizaw Mengistu, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Program Committee
Jacob Adeniyi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Scott Bailey, Virginia Tech, USA
Paul Baki, Nairobi University, Kenya
Sunanda Basu, Boston College, USA
Keith Groves, Boston College, USA
Rod Heelis, University of Texas Dallas, USA
Mike Kelley, Cornell University, USA
Lee-Anne McKinnell, South African National Space Agency, South Africa
Sandro Radicella, ICTP, Italy
Kiyohumi Yumoto, Kyushu University, Japan
Eftyhia Zesta, Air Force Research Laboratory
Local Organizing Committee (LOC) - Ethiopia
Baylie Damtie, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (LOC Chairman)
Gizaw Mengistu, Addis Ababa University (LOC Vice Chairman)
Solomon Belay, Ethiopian Space Science Society (LOC Secretary)
Alemu Abebe, Ministry of Science and Technology (Member)
Solomon Shiferaw, Ministry of Education (Member)
Travel Support
The conference organizers are seeking travel support for participation, including students and early-career professionals. If travel funds become available, an announcement will be widely circulated with instructions on the application process and deadline.
Further Information
If you would like to receive future updates about this conference, e-mail chapman-spaceweather@agu.org, or call the AGU Meetings Department at +1-202-777-7330.
For information about the scientific program, please contact one of the conveners noted above.