A short history of geophysical radar at Arecibo Observatory

J. D. Mathews

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    14 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    As Arecibo Observatory (AO) approaches its 50th anniversary, it is appropriate to review the many radars and ionospheric heaters that have been deployed on or near the 305 m dish and to summarize some of the innovative radar-based geophysical research that has resulted. The reasons William E. (Bill) Gordon developed the 305 m Arecibo dish are well known but are briefly reviewed. The early and then more recent radar/feed designs are reviewed as geophysical uses of Arecibo have evolved and as the full potential of the dish and nearby facilities was and is being realized from HF through S-band frequencies. This history surely has some gaps and there are a few mysteries. The community is encouraged to fill these gaps and to help complete the history.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)19-33
    Number of pages15
    JournalHistory of Geo- and Space Sciences
    Volume4
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Mar 13 2013

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • General Earth and Planetary Sciences
    • History and Philosophy of Science

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