Speaker
Dr
Brian Hare
(University of Groningen)
Description
LOFAR (LOw Frequency ARray) is a radio telescope that consists of a large number of dual-polarized antennas spread over the northern Netherlands and beyond. The LOFAR for Lightning Imaging project (LOFAR-LIM) has successfully used LOFAR to map out lightning in the Netherlands. Since LOFAR covers a large frequency range (10-90 MHz), has antennas spread over a large area, and saves the raw trace data from the antennas, LOFAR-LIM can combine all the strongest aspects of both lightning mapping arrays and lightning interferometers. These aspects include a nanosecond resolution between pulses, nanosecond timing accuracy, and an ability to map lightning in all 3 spatial dimensions and time. LOFAR should be able to map out overhead lightning with a spatial accuracy on the order of meters.
We will present an intra-cloud flash and a cloud-to-ground flash that have been mapped using a new 3-dimensional interferometric technique. These maps contain enough detail that fast processes, such as recoil leaders and even return strokes, can be mapped in full 3 dimensions. We will also show intensity and polarization footprints of RF pulses received from stepped leaders and discuss the implications for the propagation physics of stepped leaders.
Primary author
Dr
Brian Hare
(University of Groningen)
Co-authors
Dr
Anna Nelles
(university of Nijmegen)
Dr
Arthur Corstanje
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Bonardi Antonio
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Falcke Heino
(university of Nijmegen)
Dr
Gia Trinh
(University of Groningen)
Dr
Jorg Horandel
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Jorg Rachen
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Mitra Pragati
(University of Brussels)
Olaf Scholten
(KVI/University of Groningen)
Dr
Pim Schellart
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Rossetto L
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Sander ter Veen
(ASTRON)
Dr
Stijn Buitink
(University of Brussels)
Dr
Thoudam Satyendra
(University of Nijmegen)
Dr
Tobias Winchen
(University of Brussels)
Dr
Ute Ebert
(CWI)
