2026 Workshop: Frontiers in Equatorial Aeronomy
Marco Milla
Fabiano Rodrigues
Danny Scipion
We invite short presentations related to new developments in equatorial aeronomy and space weather. Topics of interest include new experimental methodologies using existing or planned ground- or space-based instruments, new modeling and simulation tools applied to problems in the equatorial atmosphere and ionosphere, and emerging theories governing the background state or the emergence of instabilities and irregularities. Special consideration will be given to early-career scientists making novel contributions to the field.
Danny Scipion: JRO+upgrades update
Aaron Kirchman: ESF forecast studies and PRE stability
Fatima Yousuf: Day-to-day PRE variability
Brian La Rosa: ISR spectrum and Coulomb collisions
Marcos Inonan: J-ARGUS project update
Carla Arce: J-ARGUS antenna analysis
Germain Vega: XMHD equatorial ionosphere model
A number of new opportunities for research in equatorial aeronomy and space physics are on the horizon. Some of these are motivated by profound upgrades which have taken place recently at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. Upgrades include capabilities for rapid electronic beam steering as well as long-duration incoherent scatter measurements. In addition, a pair of long-wavelength array (LWA) systems are being prepared for deployment near Jicamarca. These will afford the observatory with tristatic capabilities while also opening numerous other research avenues in aeronomy and astronomy. Furthermore, we continue to anticipate a NASA sounding rocket campaign to take place from the Punta Lobos range in Peru in the next few years. Several spacecraft missions in place or on the books as well as a number of theoretical developments invite additional, novel investigations in the equatorial zone.