SuperDARN Canada

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
What the facility does

SuperDARN is part of an international network of high-frequency radars to measure plasma circulation in the ionosphere

Areas of expertise

The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) is a global network of scientific radars monitoring conditions in the near-Earth space environment. The radars allow researchers to observe how space weather conditions (i.e. changes in the solar wind’s density, velocity and the interplanetary magnetic field) affect plasma circulation in the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere. These changes are connected to disturbances in space and on Earth that affect critically important modern infrastructure, including satellites, power grids, pipelines, radio communications and space station radiation hazards. The data collected by SuperDARN worldwide, the analysis of this data, and the resulting information contributes to the scientific understanding of space weather that has the potential to provide tangible benefits, implications, and impact across many sectors.  Canada has been the sole contributor to the important central Arctic component of the international SuperDARN program, with Canadian radars scanning from the Canadian high arctic across the North Pole. Canada’s fundamental contribution to international SuperDARN efforts includes the operations of five radars located in Canada: Saskatoon (SK); Prince George (BC); Rankin Inlet (NU); Inuvik (NWT); and Clyde River (NU).

Research services

Full-time monitoring of plasma circulation in the ionosphere. Assistance developing and running SuperDARN radar scan modes to assist with scientific experiments. Provide guidance on downloading and interpreting radar data. Design and build radar equipment. SuperDARN software support. Real-time SuperDARN data visualization support.

Sectors of application
  • Aerospace and satellites
  • Defence and security industries
  • Education
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Information and communication technologies and media
  • Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
  • Utilities

Equipment

Function

High Frequency Phased-array ionospheric radar with interferometer

Part of the international network of SuperDARN radars that monitor the motion of charged particles in the ionosphere