EISCAT - an international project in the polar region

A general description is given of the European Incoherent Scatter Radar Facility (EISCAT) project. The measuring method is briefly described and the parameters which can be measured are given. The advantages of incoherent scattering for ionosphere measurements as compared with satellites and rocket probes are discussed, as is the advantage of a polar location. The geographical arrangement, with the transmitter in Tromsoe and receivers in Tromsoe, Kiruna and Sodankylae, is described, and the main parameters of the antennae are given. The administration and staffing are briefly described. (JIW)