Group Leader: Prof. Craig Rodger
Our research group studies the nature of the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space. We are interested in energy coupling between regions and the inputs from the Sun, lightning, and particles to name a few examples. Our work looks at the consequences at and around the Earth of changes at the Sun. We are strongly involved with international collaborations with researchers from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Our group operates experiments in the Antarctic and Arctic, and undertakes experimental research campaigns across the world.
Our research topics include measurements and modelling of atmospheric conductivity, radiation belt variation and losses, solar flares, solar proton events, thunderstorms, lightning properties, red sprites, and the energy inputs of all of these processes on the lower ionosphere. In addition we undertake regular measurements of the plasmasphere, lightning locations, lightning-generated whistlers and the ionospheric D-region.