Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM): State of the Art

P Blay ,José T Biosca,J M Rodrigo ,Juan M Macian Macián,L Sabau-Graziati ,Víctor Reglero,P Connell ,C J Eyles

doi:10.14311/app.2014.01.0303

Abstract

Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) mission is an ESA pay load which will be installed in the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). ASIM is optimized to the observation and monitoring of luminescent phenomena in the upper atmosphere, the so called Transient Luminous Event (TLEs) and Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes(TGFs). Both TLEs and TGFs have been discovered recently (past two decades) and opened a new field of research in high energetic phenomena in the atmosphere. We will review the capabilities of ASIM and how it will help researchers to gain deeper knowledge of TGFs, TLEs, their inter-relationship and how they are linked to severe thunderstorms and the phenomena of lightning.

Highlights

An increasing number of luminous phenomena related to lightning and severe thunderstorms have been discovered in the last decades
While Blue Jets and Red Sprites are directly linked to lightning and are due to air breakdown, Elves are generated by electromagnetic pulses which produce ionization at around 90 km of altitude
The AGILE team has released its own Terrestrial GammaRay Flashes (TGFs) catalogue available online1 (Marisaldi et al 2013). This new filed of atmospheric physics has gained an increasing attention from atmosphere physicist and high energy astrophysicists, and is being considered seriously by space agencies as a tool to understand atmospheric phenomena related to cloud formation, severe thunderstorms and lightning, and climate changes

Summary

Introduction

An increasing number of luminous phenomena related to lightning and severe thunderstorms have been discovered in the last decades. On the other hand Terrestrial GammaRay Flashes (TGFs) are very bright high energy atmospheric emissions (x-ray and γ-ray) and were discovered by astrophysical missions in orbit According to their appearance, TLEs are classified mainly as Blue Jets, Red Sprites or Elves. The AGILE team has released its own TGF catalogue available online (Marisaldi et al 2013) This new filed of atmospheric physics has gained an increasing attention from atmosphere physicist and high energy astrophysicists, and is being considered seriously by space agencies as a tool to understand atmospheric phenomena related to cloud formation, severe thunderstorms and lightning, and climate changes. Other science related to high-altitude cloud formation, cloud electrification, NOx production, meteors, auroras, etc. will be in the scope of the mission

The ASIM Instruments

The ASIM Mission

Mission Status

Findings

Conclusions