Simulating ionograms by compounding optically observed plasma clouds with ionospheric modelling technology

Artificial Ionospheric Modification (AIM) can occur through deliberate or incidental injections of aerosols, chemicals or radio (RF) signals into the ionosphere. The Metal Oxide Space Clouds (MOSC) experiment was undertaken in April/May 2013 to investigate chemical AIM. Two sounding rockets were launched from Kwajalein Atoll and each released a cloud of vaporized samarium (Sm). The samarium created a localized plasma cloud that formed an additional ionospheric layer. The effects were measured by a wide range of ground based instrumentation, including optical and HF.