Project Title:
MUSIC Thunderstorm Location from Spatio-Temporal Electric Field Mill Data
13.01-5509
911901
MUSIC Thunderstorm Location from Spatio-Temporal Electric Field Mill Data
Scientific Applications & Research Associates
15206 Transistor Lane
Huntington Beach
CA
92649
John C.
Mosher
714-373-5509
KSC
NAS10-11857
263
13.01-5509
911901
Abstract:
Multiple Signal Classification Thunderstorm Location from Spatio-Temporal Electric
Field Mill Data
The Kennedy Space Center is high on the isokeraunic curve (i.e., number of days per
year with thunderstorm activities), and this frequency of activity influences all
operations. An accurate determination of the distribution and strength of storm cells
with respect to their ability to produce triggered lightning is needed. This project
will adapt an innovative and proven localization technique that the firm recently
developed for applications in electromagnetic source localizations for the brain.
This technique, soundly based on multiple signal classification (MUSIC) eigen analysis,
will allow scanning in three-dimensional space to search for multiple electromagnetic
sources. This technique will significantly enhance the ability to characterize charge
distributions in cloud formations in real time and, thus, enhance the ability to
determine the probability of triggering lightning with launch vehicles.
Safety from lightning effects is of concern to the commercial sector. Use of an accurate
storm cell identifier will aid such diverse organizations as commercial airports,
construction companies, the U.S. Forestry Service, and golf courses in determining
conditions that are appropriate for standard operations.
triggered lightning, eigenanalysis, electric field mill, charge distribution, inversion
algorithm, MUSIC