RAX-2 has detected more radar scatter from FAI! Characterization of the scatter from these irregularities in the ionosphere is the primary goal of the mission. Experiment 1018 was performed early Wednesday morning (UTC) with PFISR. The echoes are visible in the resulting range-time-intensity plots shown below. This was the first radar experiment performed since the last echo detection on March 8. Since that time, space weather conditions have been calm so we have been downloading detailed science data rather than scheduling more experiments. Earlier this week, the Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, reached 6, at which time we decided to resume experiments. Conditions for the formation of FAI at the time of the experiment were ideal as the ion drift at the time was 500-700 m/s.
Range-time-intensity plot for experiment 1018, performed with PFISR on April 25. The saturated dark strip is radar pulses from PFISR, and scatter is seen just above this in the boxed region.
