Aim: Investigation of the magnetosphere - ionosphere / thermosphere coupling processes and wave-like interactions during geomagnetically disturbed periods. The EISCAT observational data for this projects have to be obtained in special campaigns (SP), based on the international EISCAT cooperation agreement. A first observational interval was performed in the first half of October 2006; further interval(s) during other seasonal conditions would be desirable. The exact time is under the constrain of the orbital constellation of CHAMP and Cluster paired with appropriate geomagnetic activity to be observed with the tristatic incoherent scatter radar. About 30 hours per year have been scheduled for this project. The campaigns intend to study the thermospheric response in the substorm current wedge region prior to or around local midnight. During substorm activity it is expected to observe noticeable changes of air density and winds with CHAMP's accelerometer. EISCAT is needed to monitor the electrodynamic parameters during those times. The focus of the project is on magnetosphere - ionosphere/thermosphere coupling processes and wave-like interactions during geomagnetically disturbed periods.
