The best astronomical site on earth? A modern optical/infrared telescope is only as good as its site. We have previously shown that the infrared skies above the South Pole are up to 100 times darker than skies elsewhere, leading to enormous potential gains in sensitivity. We now seek to extend these measurements to Antarctic sites that are even higher, drier and colder than the South Pole. These are expected to be the best observing sites on Earth, paving the way for the deployment of telescop ....The best astronomical site on earth? A modern optical/infrared telescope is only as good as its site. We have previously shown that the infrared skies above the South Pole are up to 100 times darker than skies elsewhere, leading to enormous potential gains in sensitivity. We now seek to extend these measurements to Antarctic sites that are even higher, drier and colder than the South Pole. These are expected to be the best observing sites on Earth, paving the way for the deployment of telescopes of unprecedented sensitivity able to explore the origins of planets, stars and galaxies.
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Molecular signatures of complex photodissociation reactions. All energy on earth comes from the sun, either directly (e.g photosynthesis) or indirectly (e.g fossil fuels). Photochemistry is the study of how this light is absorbed and what happens to a molecule afterwards. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in the past decade (some in our lab), scientists still cannot predict the outcomes of most photochemical reactions. In this project we will determine the reactivity o ....Molecular signatures of complex photodissociation reactions. All energy on earth comes from the sun, either directly (e.g photosynthesis) or indirectly (e.g fossil fuels). Photochemistry is the study of how this light is absorbed and what happens to a molecule afterwards. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in the past decade (some in our lab), scientists still cannot predict the outcomes of most photochemical reactions. In this project we will determine the reactivity of several small, fundamental organic molecules. Not only are these molecules pollutants around our cities, but discovery of how they react in the presence of light will allow us to understand and predict the photochemistry of a much wider range of organic species.Read moreRead less
Electrodynamics of the High Latitude Ionosphere. Electrical power (~10^12 W on average), incident over the high latitude ionospheres drives auroral displays, causes magnetic disturbances and other space weather effects over the globe, including Australia. This project uses Iridium, a US$6 billion, commercial satellite constellation, to study energy deposition into the ionosphere from near-Earth space. The Iridium data is not public domain. This project provides data access, representing a signif ....Electrodynamics of the High Latitude Ionosphere. Electrical power (~10^12 W on average), incident over the high latitude ionospheres drives auroral displays, causes magnetic disturbances and other space weather effects over the globe, including Australia. This project uses Iridium, a US$6 billion, commercial satellite constellation, to study energy deposition into the ionosphere from near-Earth space. The Iridium data is not public domain. This project provides data access, representing a significant cost-effective way for Australia to participate in observational space science. Australian postgraduate training is an integral part of the project, providing international level access and interpretation of scientific satellite and over the horizon radar network data.Read moreRead less
New insights into free radical reactivity via gas phase studies of radical anions. Free radicals are known to be critical reactive intermediates in chemical processes ranging from the formation of photochemical smog, through combustion to the onset of age-related diseases. This research increases our understanding of how free radicals react and will thus allow for more accurate prediction, and in some instances greater control, of the outcomes of chemical reactions and their health and environme ....New insights into free radical reactivity via gas phase studies of radical anions. Free radicals are known to be critical reactive intermediates in chemical processes ranging from the formation of photochemical smog, through combustion to the onset of age-related diseases. This research increases our understanding of how free radicals react and will thus allow for more accurate prediction, and in some instances greater control, of the outcomes of chemical reactions and their health and environmental consequences. New instrumental technologies will be developed and young Australian researchers will be trained here, and with collaborators in the USA, in state-of-the-art techniques (particularly in mass spectrometry) that are essential to our emerging technology-based economy.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989069
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
A New Digital Radar for Studies in Solar-Terrestrial and Atmospheric Physics. Australia is a world leader in the development of High Frequency (HF) radar surveillance systems, such as JORN (Jindalee over-the-horizon radar). However, Australia's ability to support these operations and remain a leader in these fields depends on its capacity to nurture expertise and train new personnel in these areas. The new HF radar system will play a crucial role in this respect, providing (i) high-level trainin ....A New Digital Radar for Studies in Solar-Terrestrial and Atmospheric Physics. Australia is a world leader in the development of High Frequency (HF) radar surveillance systems, such as JORN (Jindalee over-the-horizon radar). However, Australia's ability to support these operations and remain a leader in these fields depends on its capacity to nurture expertise and train new personnel in these areas. The new HF radar system will play a crucial role in this respect, providing (i) high-level training in radar technology and associated science, (ii) a test bed for the development of new instrumental and data analysis techniques, (c) new information on the source of ionospheric perturbations that can affect the performance of JORN, and (d) data important for Australia's space weather prediction community, via IPS (Ionospheric Prediction Service) Radio and Space Services.Read moreRead less