Sixto Gonzalez
Director for Space and Atmospheric Sciences, Arecibo Observatory
Sixto joined the AO staff in October 1993. His principal research interest is in upper atmospheric physics, in particular, the composition and dynamics of the topside ionosphere a region that couples the F-region ionosphere to the plasmasphere. Recently, he has been active in studies that combine data from multiple radars, together with computer simulations of this region to understand the mechanisms for the observed variations in altitude distributions of the principal species: oxygen, hydrogen and helium ions. In addition, he has participated in studies of the neutral atmosphere using Fabry-Perot interferometers, radar studies of ionospheric electric fields at low latitudes, and studies of the low and mid latitude ionosphere using data from spacecraft. His research focuses on studies of the EarthтАЩs upper atmosphere (i.e. the ionosphere-thermosphere and protonosphere-exosphere coupled systems) using incoherent scatter radars, satellites, and optical instruments together with physics based numerical models.
Abstract: Future directions for the Space and Atmospheric Sciences program at Arecibo
First, a summary of Space and Atmospheric Science related projects currently in progress will be shown. We will also present the major program goals and priorities of the SAS group through 2016, and enumerate some of the projects that we are considering to undertake in the short (2012-2016) and longer-term (2016-2021) time frames.
Secondly, we would like identify changes to AOтАЩs traditional funding model that might be needed to insure the ObservatoryтАЩs long-term viability. If we consider the following scenario:
тАв The costs associated with maintaining the siteтАЩs infrastructure, operations, and research programs are expected to increase.
тАв At the same time, the total amount of funding received from current sponsors is expected to decrease.
тАв How can AO meet the challenge of finding new funding sources?