A Preliminary Statistical Analysis of Type-III Solar Burst Detections in Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Shallow Radar (SHARAD) Data

We present the results of a preliminary statistical analysis and classification of solar radio burst candidates detected by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Shallow Radar (SHARAD). We first analyze the histograms of the MRO SHARAD burst candidates as a function of MRO-STEREO true anomaly difference and received peak power. We then show the results of performing logistic regression to classify the MRO SHARAD burst candidates. Our results highlight the need for additional burst data to further refine the classifier, additional parameters to determine if bursts are present, and potentially explore a different classification technique to assign burst candidates with improved accuracy. Analyzing SRBs detected by MRO/SHARAD (as a potential additional solar radio-observatory) would enhance our understanding of solar radio burst propagation physics and behavior. We conclude by discussing the potential application, and challenges, of using these bursts as a source for subsurface radio sounding for future terrestrial and Mars missions.