Two-dimensional imaging of the development phase of plasma instabilities in the Earth´s ionosphere

The convective ionospheric storm (CIS) is a naturally occurring process in the earth´s ionosphere over the magnetic equator that can have deleterious consequences on satellite navigation and communication systems. By making low-elevation optical observations from Haleakala, Hawaii, the two-dimensional structure (2-D) (altitude versus longitude) can be made. We present observations from April 30, 2003 that clearly show the development phase of the CIS and compare them to a nonlinear simulation of the instability process. Through long-term observations of this type, we will collect a database that will be used to help unravel some of the outstanding questions associated with this fascinating phenomenon.