HokieDARN Article

It is expected that the new phased-array EISCAT_3D incoherent scatter radar will gradually become available from autumn 2025. Within this important turning point, Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (SGO), in close collaboration with EISCAT AB (formerly EISCAT Scientific Association), will run a training course for new users of the EISCAT radars, from 11th to 16th August 2025 (Monday to Saturday): the International EISCAT Radar School will be held at Kilpisjarvi, Finland. The course will cover all essential aspects of the EISCAT systems, including their science programme. An overview of the hardware and software will be provided and future plans will be discussed, with a strong emphasis on EISCAT_3D. Tips on analysing and working with the data will be given and the participants will run an own radar experiment in a hands-on exercise. There'll be an excursion to the close-by Skibotn EISCAT_3D radar site, as well as to the Finnish Kilpisjarvi Atmospheric Imaging Receiver Array (KAIRA) site, which is a multi-purpose radio telescope originally built for prototyping EISCAT_3D. The lecturers comprise members of the EISCAT staff and experienced scientists from the user community. As well as providing a good foundation for scientists new to incoherent scatter radar, this in-person radar school will facilitate creation of a network of peers among all participants, learners and instructors alike, as well as provide a chance for more established users to be updated on the latest and future developments. Note, that the Radar School will be held in the week prior to the International EISCAT Symposium in Kiruna, Sweden, and we will try to arrange bus transportation from Kilpisjärvi to Kiruna organised to enable participation to both these events. The deadline for registration is Friday, 28th February, 2025. For more information please visit http://www.sgo.fi/Events/RS2025/.