A Ground-Based Heliospheric Observatory for Space Weather: The Worldwide Interplanetary Scintillation (IPS) Stations (WIPSS) Network

The technique of using interplanetary scintillation (IPS) is unique technique in that allows for the determination of outflow velocity as well as a proxy for plasma density to be undertaken throughout both the corona and inner heliosphere depending on observing frequency. The results are often used as input to space-weather forecast/prediction programmes and models when data are sufficient (both in the temporal and spatial domains) as well as having a large scientific research value (true of long-duration observations, individual observations, and many days/weeks of observations). There is now a defined IPS Common Data Format (IPSCDFv1.1) which is being implemented by the majority of the IPS community. By combining the results from multiple observing locations around the globe where observations are undertaken throughout the day at each place, we can increase both the temporal and spatial coverage across the whole of the inner heliosphere. We are also able to probe different coronal/heliospheric regions from near to the Sun all the way out to beyond the orbit of the Earth. Observations of IPS also provide excellent opportunities to enhance collaborations between developed and developing countries thanks to the locations of many of the IPS-capable systems currently in use or under development. The Worldwide IPS Stations (WIPSS) Network brings together both the global real-/near-real-time (for space weather forecasting) and the scientific-/campaign-based systems (for space weather science) capable IPS observatories with well-developed and tested analyses techniques being unified across all single-site systems (such as MEXART, Pushchino, and Ooty) and cross-calibrated to the multi-site ISEE system (as well as learning from the scientific-based systems such as EISCAT, LOFAR, and the MWA). This is enhanced by using using IPSCDFv1.0 or IPSCDFv1.1. A WIPSS website has been developed by the MEXART group and was showcased in late 2018 where updates are currently being implemented. Here we will present an overview of the WIPSS Network along with some scientific highlights (where appropriate), and we will include any progress to date on initialising the real-time capabilities of WIPSS as well as any foreseen challenges (political, scientific, and financial) going forward.