Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Earthshine observations from high latitudes  (EARTHSHINE)

Outline
Terrestrial albedo is a determining factor for the climate on Earth. Currently, the best albedo data of any length are derived from satellite-based visual observations. However, the visual band on most satellites is not well calibrated, and therefore the long term behavior of these albedo data are not known. Simple astronomical observations allow an independent determination of the mean albedo by photometrically monitoring the ratio of Earthshine to Moonshine on the Moon. High-latitude sites, such as the Greenland icecap, are uniquely suited for obtaining the required data for all longitudes around the world from a single observing site, while a network of observing sites are required if the technique is to be used from lower latitudes. We want to determine the suitability of the Greenland Summit station for such observations. A small automatic telescope will operate during the dark periods of the IPY and track the Moon while obtaining necessary CCD images. Data processing will take place off-site, to reduce complexity. A data-transmission rate of about 0.5 Mbit/s is necessary. To obtain photometric quality data the telescope must operate outside, when conditions allow. The telescope is currently being built and tested at the Danish Meteorological Institute, and has been subjected to field trials.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
In the context of astronomical observations, the observing conditions can be considered a natural resource. The proposed project will provide a data set, which will allow a detailed assessment of the qualities of the Greenland ice cap as a site for conducting earthshine observations. This will pave the way for maturing this natural resource. The results from the project will allow detailed planning of major future automatic observatories on the ice caps, allowing the geophysical community to strike the right balance between earth- and space-based investments in infrastructure.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project consortium has participants from Denmark (Danish Meteorological Institute), Austria (Institut für Geophysik Astrophysik und Meteorologie, Graz), Spain (Universidade de Vigo).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Summit Camp, on Greenland

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 01/2007 – 12/2007            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Fixed wing transport aircraft; help to sweep snow of instrument enclosure after storms; we also need transportation of 250kg of equipment to Summit, electrical power (about 300W), and telemetry – internet access if possible.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator

Transport of equipment to Summit is needed – by air, as well as transport of one person to set up equipment. Thereafter, maintenance (as in snow clearing) must be provided by someone present at the Camp.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
NO - The Danish National Committee has decided not to endorse any Danish projects. However, the present project conforms to the second of the three recommended overarching national themes, the one called “Greenland’s Ice Sheet – Scientific Frontiers”.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

With National funding we are already pursuing the development of a network of automatic earthshine telescopes. The present EoI is a part of that programme.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be steered by a project board with members from all participating countries. The chairman of the project board acts as the PI. The project board will appoint a project manager responsible for implementation of the project. The project board will also appoint a science team, with members from all involved institutes, which will be responsible for defining the instrument packages for the two sites.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Masters and PhD students will be involved in the project based on the programmes at the participating educational institutions (Austria and Spain) as well as the collaboration between the DMI and the University of Copenhagen’s PHD (COGCI) programme. Contacts to established out-reach institutions like Planetaria will be sought.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The general IPY Data Management policy will be applied in this project. All data will be compliant with the Virtual Observatory (an advanced world-wide collaborative data management effort of the astronomical community), to allow for easy access for all interested parties. Data reduction will be done off-site during the project, with the complete raw data set being made available through the Virtual Observatory.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Application to national agencies with reference to the IPY framework (hardware, travel, logistics).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Earthshine observations are recognised as a cost-effective means of obtaining terrestrial albedo, competing favourably with satellite costs and accuracies. No other earth-based albedo observation system is possible. At present a low-latitude network is being built, but inter-site calibration issues exist, and the use of a single high-altitude station could ensure coverage of all terrestrial longitudes, for periods of the year. Collaboration with an Antarctic earthshine project would give round-the year coverage.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Peter Thejll
Danish Meteorological Institute
Lyngbyvej 100
2100 Copenhagen Ø
2100
Denmark

Tel: +45 39 17 74 77
Mobile: no
Fax: +45 39 15 74 60
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation