A New VLF Reception System for Professional and Citizen Science Applications

Very Low Frequency (VLF, 300 Hz – 30 kHz) natural radio emissions originate from lightning discharges and interactions with solar wind particles and the magnetosphere. Studying these natural emissions, as well as man-made VLF transmissions, gives insight to the D and E layers of the ionosphere and magnetosphere. A science-grade VLF reception system can be constructed using a simple active antenna, Raspberry Pi, soundcard, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, and free, open-source vlfrx-tools software. This instrument can be utilized by both professional researchers and citizen scientists to capture and analyze these radio emissions for further study. By recruiting both professionals and citizen scientists, a network of these VLF reception systems can be used for global study of Natural Radio Emissions using common off-the-shelf (COTS) components with free open source software (FOSS). A VLF reception system has been installed in a radio-quiet location in Spring Brook Township, PA and has been in operation for over a year capturing and analyzing natural radio emissions and man-made VLF transmissions with a goal to add more VLF reception systems to the network. In this presentation, we present the design of this system, as well as observations of dawn chorus events, whistler events, and signatures of lighting with continuing currents suggesting a link between ELVES transient luminous events (TLEs) and extremely low frequency (ELF) tails.