PPARC has been conducting observations primarily targeting the Sun and planets using the Iitate Planetary Radio Telescope (IPRT). This telescope uses a parabolic reflector to focus incoming radio waves onto a single point, which are then captured by an antenna located in the receiver unit (indicated by the red circle).

The objective of this research is to further enhance the performance of the IPRT. To achieve this, I am conducting numerical simulations to evaluate various antenna geometries and design an optimized antenna system.(Written by YAMAGUCHI Hiroshige.)

We are developing a near-infrared camera (TOPICS) and a high-dispersion Echelle spectrograph (wavelength resolution ~20,000) for near-infrared observations installed on the Haleakala T60 telescope. These near-infrared observations will enable the observations of Jupiter’s infrared auroras and volcanic activity on Io. By combining these observations with visible observation of the T60 telescope, we aim to elucidate the material and energy transport mechanisms within the Jupiter’s magnetosphere.

In addition, this instrument apply to detect trace gas components (methane, hydrogen peroxide, HDO/H₂O) that contribute to the understanding of the physical mechanisms of the Martian atmospheric environment, including dust storms.

This ground-based observation is also significant for future collaborative observations with space probes such as the Jupiter exploration mission JUICE and the Mars exploration mission MMX. Written by SAKANOI, Takeshi