Space Physics at Dartmouth -- LaBelle Group | Dartmouth Balloon Group | Theoretical Group
ROPA - Introduction
The purpose of the ROPA sound rocket mission is to acquire large-scale topside images of a pulsating auroral region for comparison to other in-situ data and to optical data from ground observations.
The Ropa rocket will be able to gather unique new data about pulsating aurora because it will be 500-600km above the aurora, providing a much more extensive view than can currently be gained from ground-based allsky cameras. This mission is also unique because it cannot be accomplished with existing satellites, with upcoming satellites, or from the ground.
Pulsating aurora are not as bright and colorful as many auroral arcs, but they often cover the entire sky with intermixed large and small-scale spatial and temporal variations. Pulsating aurora are usually observed post-midnight after auroral breakup.