Articles | Volume 19, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-2961-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-2961-2026
Research article
 | 
04 May 2026
Research article |  | 04 May 2026

A novel framework for automatic scanning radar pointing calibration using the Sun

Paul Ockenfuß, Gregor Köcher, Matthias Bauer-Pfundstein, and Stefan Kneifel

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Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-5690', Anonymous Referee #1, 27 Jan 2026
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Paul Ockenfuss, 06 Mar 2026
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-5690', Anonymous Referee #3, 04 Feb 2026
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Paul Ockenfuss, 06 Mar 2026
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-5690', Anonymous Referee #2, 05 Feb 2026
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Paul Ockenfuss, 06 Mar 2026

Peer review completion

AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
AR by Paul Ockenfuss on behalf of the Authors (06 Mar 2026)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (19 Apr 2026) by Pavlos Kollias
AR by Paul Ockenfuss on behalf of the Authors (20 Apr 2026)  Manuscript 
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Short summary
The pointing of scanning weather and cloud radars must be very accurate, to within 0.1°. We present a general method to calibrate the pointing of a scanning radar with an elevation and an azimuth axis. Using the Sun as a reference, we can determine the specific misalignments of the radar pedestal, axes and antenna. Once the misalignments are known, we can correct for them by steering the scanner motors accordingly. We provide recommendations and code to apply this method to any scanning radar.
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