Transcript The Kjell Henriksen Observatory

The Kjell Henriksen Observatory - the future
for ground-based space related research
F. Sigernes, D.A. Lorentzen, K. Oksavik,
M. Dyrland, J. M. Holmes, Å. Skjæveland, N. Peters
& S. Claes
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
The Kjell Henriksen Observatory opening seminar, 19th of February 2008
THE VISION!
Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship
Enterprise. Its five-year mission: To explore strange new worlds. To
seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man
has gone before.
Instruments @ KHO
TELESCOPE
IN ADDITION
a) Magnetometers
b) Scintillation receivers (GPS)
c) Riometer
d) Weather station
e) Web cameras
Institutions @ KHO
1. University Centre in Svalbard
2. University of Oslo
3. University of Tromsø
4. University of Alaska, Fairbanks
5. University College London
6. University of Wales Aberystwyth
7. University of Southampton
8. University of New Hampshire
9. Augsburg College
10. Tohoku University
11. National Institute of Polar Research Japan
12. Finnish Meteorological Institute
13. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
14. Danish Meteorological Institute *
15. Air Force Research Laboratory *
16. Laboratoire de Planétologie de Grenoble
The 7 Nations @ KHO
… & excellent students!
PARTNERS @ LYR
INTERNET
KHO - UNIS - ARS
RESEARCH TOPICS
ESR 42M ANTENNA
Understand the energy input and interactions between the magnetosphere
and the whole vertical column of the atmosphere:
Some example topics:
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The optical aurora and EISCAT (Source vs. effect study)
Airglow spectra vs. Meteor trails by SOUSY & MR
Convection field plasma blobs (Polar Cap patches or Drifting Airglow patches)
Ion outflow (SCIFER, CAPER and SCIFER II)
Narrow field of view imaging of auroral forms
Imaging of artificial aurora (SPEAR)
BAB, LYR & NYÅ triangulation vs. EISCAT!
Optical day glow studies vs. Radars (sunlit atmosphere?)
Dusty plasma (PMSE) vs. Optics ?
Effects of upward lightning: Sprite, Elves and Blue Jets?
…
In general Optics provide general overview of sky conditions
(2D-morphology), so that Radars and Rockets may provide in-situ 3D
data.
COOPERATION: SCIFER 2
Artistic view
SCIFER 2 = Sounding of the Cusp Ion Fountain Energization Region
INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT
EXAMPLE: HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGER
FS-IKEA
~14 days
?
Electronic Machine Shops
Purchase optics and mounts
FUTURE KHO CHALLENGES
1. Logistics: Snow accumulation around the building – snow fences?
2. Accessibility: The road needs to be plowed 2 x times a day in ~ 4
months to be open. A minimum of once a week is necessary to empty
spill tank and fill fresh water.
3. Instruments: Upgrade and make new ones to gain new insight.
4. Capacity: Spread the word and invite groups to start using the available
domes (50% available).
5. Personnel: Active student recruitment both master and Phd-level.
6. Teaching: Develop courses for students at UNIS.
7. Science: UNIS must continue to be an attractive and active research
partner.
8. Calibration: Secure and quality check the measurements, especially our
long term ones. Use the calibration lab at UNIS.
9. Cooperation: Initiate and take part in large scale campaigns with our
partners.
10. Funding: Seek for external opportunities in order to afford points 1 – 9.
CONCLUSION
“The future looks bright! The ship is in dock.
Now we just need fuel, food, pocket money
and toys to play with in order sail. ”