Re-vitalizing the US-Based Neutron Monitor Network

Authors: James M. Ryan (UNH), Veronica Bindi (U Hawaii), John Clem (Bartol Res. Inst.), Cristina Consolandi (U Hawaii), Waraporn Nuntiyakul (Mahidol U.), David Ruffolo (Chiang Mai U) and Surujhdeo Seunarine (U Wisc River Falls)

The status and condition of the various neutron monitors operated by the US reached its nadir in the mid 2000s.  Now with significant investments by the National Science Foundation, the existing network will be repaired, upgraded and selectively modernized.  Furthermore, a key site on the summit of Haleakala will be outfitted once again with a monitor, supported by a Space Weather Center in Honolulu.  We report on the start of this work, plans for the near future with funds from the NSF and longer term plans to take the network to a new operational and scientific level.  We also report on a complementary deployment on Haleakala of a new portable monitor—a joint effort between Thai and the US institutions.