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What is INSPIRE
INSPIRE is a program that utilizes specialized receiver
kits to listen to VLF emissions.
What are VLF emissions
VLF stands for very low frequency. VLF signals are
in the frequency range from 0 to 20 kilohertz.
How was the INSPIRE project created
In 1991, a NASA Space Shuttle experiment involving
VLF radio signals was scheduled to fly on a mission in the spring of 1992.
The radio signals would come from a pulsed electron gun firing from the
payload bay of the shuttle. There was a possibility that the VLF signals
could be detected by receivers on the surface of the Earth. NASA needed a
large number of radio receivers spread out over a very large area in order
to have a chance of detecting the signal. Dr. Bill Taylor, a NASA scientist,
suggested that high schools be asked to see if they would like to participate.
Information was sent out to 10,000 high schools in the United States and
over 1000 ordered receiver kits. This was the start of The INSPIRE Project.
Since 1992, INSPIRE has conducted observations of natural VLF during the
1994 solar eclipse and is currently conducting observations trying to detect
signals from an electron gun carried on board the Space Station MIR. In the
future, INSPIRE will support the investigations of the IMAGE Project which
will launch a satellite with a VLF transmitter early in the year 2000.
How do I participate in INSPIRE
The INSPIRE progam uses build-it-yourself kits to measure
and record VLF emisions such as tweeks, whistlers, sherics, and chorus along
with man-made emissions.
How is INSPIRE important to me
There is a great deal of scientific curiosity about the
nature and generation mechanisms of natural VLF radio emissions and how they
interact with the near-Earth space environment. The INSPIRE Project is taking
an active role in furthering the investigation of VLF emissions. This is important
because the answers are not fully understood at this time. INSPIRE represents
a rare opportunity to work with real space scientists on real scientific
problems.
How do I start
By clicking on the online order form
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What are the best observing conditions
The best conditions require you to be at least 500
meters from any type of power lines or power source or you will hear an
annoying 60 cycle hum. Chances are that the first time you test the kit out
you will hear this. Depending on your area (rural,urban) this type of site
may be hard to find. Also you don't want to be enclosed in a heavily forested
area because you will get no sound at all.
What am I listening for
You are listening for sferics, tweeks, whistlers, omega,
and chorus. Check out the Propagation Page
for more information.
GOT A QUESTION?
Contact Bill Taylor
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