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Investigating Earth’s ionosphere-thermosphere

A space physicist at UTA is playing a key role in NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission aimed at improving our understanding of the planet’s ionosphere-thermosphere (I-T) system.

Assistant Professor Rick Wilder is the lead scientist for the AETHER (Atmospheric Electrodynamics probe for THERmal plasma) instrument, which will measure electron density and temperature. With AETHER, researchers will be better able to describe the complex nature and structure of the ionosphere, specifically focusing on the phenomena that contribute to space weather.

“Transcontinental communications and satellite signals rely on stable conditions within the Earth’s upper atmosphere,” Dr. Wilder explains. “Understanding the I-T region’s variability and potential for disturbances will allow scientists to develop methods to mitigate negative effects on human activities.” These include disruptions to satellite operations, communication signals, global positioning systems, and electrical grids.