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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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
Ground based monitoring of plasma dynamics in the magnetosphere. We will use a new technique to study the plasmapause, a fundamental and highly dynamic boundary in geospace. This is usually examined using spacecraft and ground-based VLF measurements, but these suffer several limitations. We have developed the ability to monitor plasma density in geospace, by measuring the resonant frequency of geomagnetic field line oscillations. This project will use data from extensive ground magnetometer a ....Ground based monitoring of plasma dynamics in the magnetosphere. We will use a new technique to study the plasmapause, a fundamental and highly dynamic boundary in geospace. This is usually examined using spacecraft and ground-based VLF measurements, but these suffer several limitations. We have developed the ability to monitor plasma density in geospace, by measuring the resonant frequency of geomagnetic field line oscillations. This project will use data from extensive ground magnetometer arrays to thus study the spatial and temporal variation in particle density near the plasmapause. Comparison with VLF and spacecraft measurements will provide new information on the plasma composition and dynamics in this important region.Read moreRead less
Polar Cap Region Boundary Dynamics. Geomagnetic storms have the potential to severely impair critical technology infrastructure. Consequences of strong geomagnetic activity can include power failures, pipeline corrosion, satellite failures, inaccurate GPS positioning and radio navigation. Knowledge of how, where and under which conditions this activity occurs is therefore crucial. The primary aim of this project is to extend our knowledge of the mechanisms by which this activity occurs. This wor ....Polar Cap Region Boundary Dynamics. Geomagnetic storms have the potential to severely impair critical technology infrastructure. Consequences of strong geomagnetic activity can include power failures, pipeline corrosion, satellite failures, inaccurate GPS positioning and radio navigation. Knowledge of how, where and under which conditions this activity occurs is therefore crucial. The primary aim of this project is to extend our knowledge of the mechanisms by which this activity occurs. This work will consolidate Australia's international space profile and provide excellent training in this field, helping Australia's future technology development.Read moreRead less
Monitoring and Predicting Near Real Time Ionospheric Activities with Multi-satellite Data. The ionosphere affects the transmission of electromagnetic waves, which can result in disturbance or intermission of radio signals being used for communication, navigation and other microwave systems. This project aims to monitor and predict near real-time ionospheric activities with multi-satellite data. The expected outcomes include: 1) an innovative algorithm to calculate the Total Electron Content from ....Monitoring and Predicting Near Real Time Ionospheric Activities with Multi-satellite Data. The ionosphere affects the transmission of electromagnetic waves, which can result in disturbance or intermission of radio signals being used for communication, navigation and other microwave systems. This project aims to monitor and predict near real-time ionospheric activities with multi-satellite data. The expected outcomes include: 1) an innovative algorithm to calculate the Total Electron Content from multi-satellite data; 2) an automated software package for mapping 3-dimensional ionospheric profile; and 3) an improved understanding of the detailed processes and causes of ionospheric events, that can enhance the space weather services for Australia and the world.Read moreRead less
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
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