3D framework will help scientists and the public understand space above Earth
A new ongoing project led by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) and Umeå University is developing a 3D visualisation framework to make an invisible region high above Earth accessible. This region influences the northern lights and technologies such as navigation and communication.
The tool turns complex datasets into interactive 3D visualisations, making it easier to interpret measurements of near-Earth space.
Supporting research and analysis
Modern radar systems such as EISCAT_3D can observe large volumes of the upper atmosphere simultaneously. Unlike earlier systems that measured single altitude profiles, EISCAT_3D provides observations across wider areas, generating extensive datasets.
The framework helps researchers identify variations in electron density and auroral activity, and focus on relevant events.
Juan Carlos Araújo Cabarcas, project scientist behind the tool, says:
Taking measurements is expensive. We need to identify the most relevant conditions and events. These tools help scientists quickly see what is worth investigating.
From data to insight
The project also includes 3D reconstruction of the aurora using the ALIS_4D system, a network of optical stations in northern Sweden. The stations are located about 50 kilometres apart with overlapping fields of view, enabling tomographic reconstructions from multiple angles.
3D dome theatre presentations
The visualisations based on Juan Carlos’s work will also be available to students, teachers and the general public, and will be used in dome theatre presentations at Curiosum Science Centre in Umeå.
The framework is developed within the Visualization of the Atmosphere (VisA) project, a collaboration between IRF, Curiosum, Umeå University and EISCAT, funded by IRF, the Swedish Research Council (VR) and Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Memorial Fund.