Showing papers in "Earth Moon and Planets in 2009"

The SOHO/LASCO CME Catalog

Abstract: Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are routinely identified in the images of the solar corona obtained by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission’s Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) since 1996. The identified CMEs are measured and their basic attributes are cataloged in a data base known as the SOHO/LASCO CME Catalog. The Catalog also contains digital data, movies, and plots for each CME, so detailed scientific investigations can be performed on CMEs and the related phenomena such as flares, radio bursts, solar energetic particle events, and geomagnetic storms. This paper provides a brief description of the Catalog and summarizes the statistical properties of CMEs obtained using the Catalog. Data products relevant to space weather research and some CME issues that can be addressed using the Catalog are discussed. The URL of the Catalog is: http://cdaw.gsfc.nasa.gov/CME_list.

A World-Wide Net of Solar Radio Spectrometers: e-CALLISTO

Abstract: Radio spectrometers of the CALLISTO type to observe solar flares have been distributed to nine locations around the globe. The instruments observe automatically, their data is collected every day via internet and stored in a central data base. A public web-interface exists through which data can be browsed and retrieved. The nine instruments form a network called e-CALLISTO. It is still growing in the number of stations, as redundancy is desirable for full 24 h coverage of the solar radio emission in the meter and low decimeter band. The e-CALLISTO system has already proven to be a valuable new tool for monitoring solar activity and for space weather research.

The Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph—CSRH

Abstract: A new Chinese radioheliograph project (CSRH) at multiple frequencies in the decimetric to centimeter wave range with ∼100 antennas of 2–5 m is proposed. A prototype study of 2-element interferometer was tested for overall design. The site survey for the CSRH array is carried out and a radio quiet region in Inner Mongolia of China appears promising. As a first step, the CSRH in decimetric wave range with 40 antennas of 4.5 m is proposed. The progress about the project is introduced.

TNOs are Cool: A Survey of the Transneptunian Region

Abstract: Over one thousand objects have so far been discovered orbiting beyond Neptune These trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) represent the primitive remnants of the planetesimal disk from which the planets formed and are perhaps analogous to the unseen dust parent-bodies in debris disks observed around other main-sequence stars The dynamical and physical properties of these bodies provide unique and important constraints on formation and evolution models of the Solar System While the dynamical architecture in this region (also known as the Kuiper Belt) is becoming relatively clear, the physical properties of the objects are still largely unexplored In particular, fundamental parameters such as size, albedo, density and thermal properties are difficult to measure Measurements of thermal emission, which peaks at far-IR wavelengths, offer the best means available to determine the physical properties While Spitzer has provided some results, notably revealing a large albedo diversity in this population, the increased sensitivity of Herschel and its superior wavelength coverage should permit profound advances in the field Within our accepted project we propose to perform radiometric measurements of 139 objects, including 25 known multiple systems When combined with measurements of the dust population beyond Neptune (eg from the New Horizons mission to Pluto), our results will provide a benchmark for understanding the Solar debris disk, and extra-solar ones as well

Isotopic Ratios in Comets: Status and Perspectives

Abstract: Isotopic abundance ratios are excellently suited to probe the origin of solar system matter. We review the recent measurements of the isotopic ratios of the light elements (D/H, 12C/13C, 16O/18O, 14N/15N, 32S/34S) in cometary dust and gas and discuss briefly their implications. Special emphasis will be put on the determinations and progress performed in the field over the past years thanks to high resolution spectroscopy of cometary comae obtained with the ESO Very Large Telescope. Future perspectives from space missions and ground-based observations with new large and extremely large telescopes operating in the optical, infrared and submillimeter wavelengths will be presented.

Solar System Science with LSST

Abstract: The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will provide a unique tool to study moving objects throughout the solar system, creating massive catalogs of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), asteroids, Trojans, TransNeptunian Objects (TNOs), comets and planetary satellites with well-measured orbits and high quality, multi-color photometry accurate to 0.005 magnitudes for the brightest objects. In the baseline LSST observing plan, back-to-back 15-second images will reach a limiting magnitude as faint as r = 24.7 in each 9.6 square degree image, twice per night; a total of approximately 20,000 square degrees of the sky will be imaged in multiple filters, with revisits about every 3 nights over several months of each year.

The Chemical Diversity of Comets: Synergies Between Space Exploration and Ground-based Radio Observations

Abstract: A fundamental question in cometary science is whether the different dynamical classes of comets have different chemical compositions, which would reflect different initial conditions. From the ground or Earth orbit, radio and infrared spectroscopic observations of a now significant sample of comets indeed reveal deep differences in the relative abundances of cometary ices. However, no obvious correlation with dynamical classes is found. Further results come, or are expected, from space exploration. Such investigations, by nature limited to a small number of objects, are unfortunately focussed on short-period comets (mainly Jupiter-family). But these in situ studies provide “ground truth” for remote sensing. We discuss the chemical differences in comets from our database of spectroscopic radio observations, which has been recently enriched by several Jupiter-family and Halley-type comets.

African Meridian B-Field Education and Research (AMBER) Array

Abstract: The AMBER array contains four magnetometers and spans across the geomagnetic equator from L of 1 to an L of 1.4. In addition to filling the largest land-based gap in global magnetometer coverage, the AMBER array will address two fundamental areas of space physics: (1) the processes governing electrodynamics of the equatorial ionosphere as a function of latitude (or L-shell), local time, longitude, magnetic activity, and season, and (2) ULF pulsation strength and its connection with equatorial electrojet strength at low/mid-latitude regions. Satellite observations show unique equatorial ionospheric structures in the African sector, though these have not been confirmed by observation from the ground due to lack of ground-based instruments in the region. In order to have a complete global understanding of equatorial ionosphere motions, deployment of ground-based magnetometers in Africa is essential. One focus of IHY is the deployment of networks of small instruments, including the development of research infrastructure in developing nations through the United Nations Basic Space Science (UNBSS) Small Instrument Array. Therefore, AMBER magnetometer array in partnership with parallel US funded GPS receivers in Africa will allow us to understand the electrodynamics that governs equatorial ionosphere motions. While AMBER routinely observes the F region plasma drift mechanism (E × B drift), the GPS stations will monitor the structure of plasma at low/mid-latitudes in the African sectors. In addition to new scientific discoveries and advancing the space science research into Africa by establishing scientific collaborations between scientists in the developing and developed nations, the AMBER project also contributes to developing the basic science of heliophysics through cross-disciplinary studies of universal process. This includes the creation of sustainable research/training infrastructure within the developing nations (Africa).

The South America VLF NETwork (SAVNET)

Abstract: In this paper we present the South America VLF NETwork (SAVNET), a new observing facility at very low frequencies. It has been recently installed at different locations spread over Latin America, in Brazil, Peru and Argentina. It consists of a network of seven Very Low Frequency (VLF) receivers with the main scientific objective of monitoring the solar activity on short (minutes to hours) and long (years) time scales. Other objectives include a better understanding of the spatial structure of the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly, the study of atmospheric phenomena and the search for genuine seismic-electromagnetic effects. After discussing the scientific goals, the details of the installation are presented as well as the first results recently obtained.

The Remote Equatorial Nighttime Observatory of Ionospheric Regions Project and the International Heliospherical Year

Abstract: We describe a new suite of instruments planned for deployment to Cape Verde as part of the International Heliospherical Year. The Remote Equatorial Nighttime Observatory of Ionospheric Regions (RENOIR) project consists of a bistatic Fabry–Perot interferometer system, an all-sky imaging system, a dual-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and an array of single-frequency GPS scintillation monitors. This instrumentation will allow for studying the low-latitude thermosphere/ionosphere (TI) system in great detail. Investigations to be conducted using this instrumentation while in Cape Verde include studying equatorial irregularity processes, the effects of neutral winds and gravity waves on irregularity development, the midnight temperature maximum, and ion-neutral coupling in the nighttime TI system. Initial observations from the RENOIR instrumentation during pre-deployment testing at the Urbana Atmospheric Observatory are presented, as is the deployment scenario for the project in Cape Verde.

The Virtual Solar Observatory—A Resource for International Heliophysics Research

Abstract: The Virtual Solar Observatory (VSO) has been developed to allow researchers, educators, and the general public to access data and images from the major sources of on-line solar data. The VSO substantially reduces the effort required to locate disparate data sets, and removes the need for the user to locate the data and learn multiple interfaces. The VSO provides a single interface to about 60 geographically distributed data sets including space- and ground-based sources. These data sets incorporate several physical variables including magnetic field, intensity, Doppler velocity, etc., and all wavelengths from X-ray to radio. All layers of the sun, from the interior to the corona, are included. In this paper we describe the system and present the interface that the user will encounter. We also discuss future enhancements planned for the system.

CoRoT-2a Magnetic Activity: Hints for Possible Star-Planet Interaction

Abstract: CoRoT-2a is a young (≈0.5 Gyr) G7V star accompanied by a transiting hot-Jupiter, discovered by the CoRoT satellite (Alonso et al. Astron Astrophys 482:L21, 2008; Bouchy et al. Astron Astrophys 482:L25, 2008). An analysis of its photospheric activity, based on spot modelling techniques previously developed by our group for the analysis of the Sun as a star, shows that the active regions on CoRoT-2a arised within two active longitudes separated by about 180° and rotating with periods of 4.5221 and 4.5543 days, respectively, at epoch of CoRoT observations (112 continous days centered at ≈2007.6). We show that the total spotted area oscillates with a period of about 28.9 days, a value close to 10 times the synodic period of the planet with respect to the active longitude pattern rotating in 4.5221 days. Moreover, the variance of the stellar flux is modulated in phase with the planet orbital period. This suggests a possible star–planet magnetic interaction, a phenomenon already seen in other extrasolar planetary systems hosting hot-Jupiters.

Coordinated Study on Solar Wind Turbulence During the Venus-Express, ACE and Ulysses Alignment of August 2007

Abstract: At the end of August 2007, Venus, Earth and Ulysses were aligned within a few degrees. This unusual event gives the opportunity to attempt a coordinated study on the radial evolution of solar wind turbulence and coronal transients like CMEs between 0.7 and 1.4 AU. Interplanetary magnetic field data and moments of proton velocity distribution function such as density, speed and temperature are required for this programme and will be provided by ACE at Earth, Venus Express at Venus and Ulysses at 1.4 AU. This project has been recently proposed as a Coordinated Investigation Programme (CIP35) for the International Heliophysical Year.

Melting and Sublimation of Planetary Ices Under Low Pressure Conditions: Laboratory Experiments with a Melting Probe Prototype

Abstract: One possibility to explore the subsurface layers of icy bodies is to use a probe with a “hot tip", which is able to penetrate ice layers by melting. Such probes have been built and used in the past for the exploration of terrestrial polar ice sheets and may also become useful tools to explore other icy layers in the Solar System. Examples for such layers are the polar areas of Mars or the icy crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa. However, while on Earth a heated probe launched into an ice sheet always causes melting with subsequent refreezing, the behaviour of such a probe in a low pressure environment is quite different. We report on the results of some experiments with a simple “melting probe" prototype with two different kinds of hot tips in a vacuum environment. For one of the tips the probe moved into two types of ice samples: (i) compact water ice and (ii) porous water ice with a snow (firn) like texture. It was also found that the penetration behaviour was basically different for the two sample types even when the same kind of tip was used. While in the porous sample the ice was only subliming, the phase changes occurring during the interaction of the tip with the compact ice are much more complex. Here alternating phases of melting and sublimation occur. The absence of the liquid phase has severe consequences on the performance of a “melting probe" under vacuum conditions: In this environment we find a high thermal resistance between the probe surface and the underlying ice. Therefore, only a low percentage of the heat that is generated in the tip is used to melt or sublime the ice, the bulk of the power is transferred towards the rear end of the probe. This is particularly a problem in the initial phases of an ice penetration experiment, when the probe has not yet penetrated the ice over its whole length. In the compact ice sample, phases could be observed, where a high enough gas pressure had built up locally underneath the probe, so that melting becomes possible. Only during these melting periods the thermal contact between the probe and the ice is good and in consequence the melting probe works effectively.

Origin of Halogens and Nitrogen in Enstatite Chondrites

Abstract: The EH and EL enstatite chondrites are the most reduced chondrite groups, having formed in nebular regions where the gas may have had high C/O and/or pH2/pH2O ratios. Enstatite chondrites (particularly EH) have higher CI- and Mg-normalized abundances of halogens (especially F and Cl) and nitrogen than ordinary chondrites and most groups of carbonaceous chondrites. Even relative to CI chondrites, EH and EL chondrites are enriched in F. We have found that literature values for the halogen abundance ratios in EH and EL chondrites are strongly correlated with the electronegativities of the individual halogens. We suggest that the most reactive halogens were the most efficient at forming compounds (e.g., halides) that were incorporated into EH-chondrite precursor materials. It seems plausible that, under the more-oxidizing conditions pertaining to the other chondrite groups, a larger fraction of the halogens remained in the gas. Nitrogen may have been incorporated into the enstatite chondrites as simple nitrides that did not condense under the more-oxidizing conditions in the regions where other chondrite groups formed. Literature data show that unequilibrated enstatite chondrites have light bulk N (δ 15N ≈ −20‰) compared to most ordinary (−5 to +20‰) and carbonaceous (+20 to +190‰) chondrites; this may reflect the contribution in enstatite chondrites of nitride condensates with δ15 N values close to the proposed nebular mean (~−400‰). In contrast, N in carbonaceous chondrites is mainly contained within 15N-rich organic matter. The major carrier of N in ordinary chondrites is unknown.

Thermal Evolution of the Phaethon–Geminid Stream Complex

Abstract: The thermal evolution of the Geminid meteor stream and the Phaethon–Geminid stream Complex (PGC) are summarized. Sodium contents of Geminid meteor streams are altered thermally, perhaps during orbital motion in interplanetary space due to the short perihelion distance of the orbit (q ∼ 0.14 AU). However, the temperature of meteoroids is less than the sublimation temperature of Na in alkali silicates, suggesting that the parent body 3200 Phaethon itself might have suffered from the thermal processing. On the other hand, a breakup event on PGC parent is suggested by the existence of dynamically associated asteroids (Phaethon, 2005 UD and 1999 YC) sharing pristine features (C, B types). A possible mechanism behind the breakup is the sublimation of ice inside the PGC parent due to its thermal evolution. It is tempting to guess that the PGC parent might be evolved dynamically from the outer part of the main asteroid belt where the residence of ice-rich asteroids (main belt comets) into current PGC-like orbit.

Space Weathering of Small Solar System Bodies

Abstract: Micrometeorite bombardment and irradiation by solar wind and cosmic ions cause variations in the optical properties of the small Solar System bodies surface materials. These space weathering processes are reasonably well understood for the Moon and S-type asteroids. The research is based on laboratory experiments performed by several groups on meteorites and minor bodies surface analogues, whose results have been applied to the spectral modeling and interpretation of observations from large surveys and space missions. Recent results from young asteroidal families, and the relation between spectral slopes and dynamical properties, have stressed the role of the solar wind exposure timescale. Space weathering processes remain poorly investigated in the case of other types of asteroids, and they are still unclear in the case of outer Solar System bodies, due to a strong dependence of the weathering process on the original composition.

A Multi-Wavelength Simultaneous Study of the Composition of the Halley Family Comet 8P/Tuttle

Abstract: We report on simultaneous optical and infrared observations of the Halley Family comet 8P/Tuttle performed with the ESO Very Large Telescope. Such multi-wavelength and coordinated observations are a good example of what can be done to support space missions. From high resolution optical spectroscopy of the CN (0,0) 388 nm and NH2 (0,9,0) 610 nm bands using UVES at UT2 we determined 12C/13C = 90 ± 10 and 14N/15N = 150 ± 20 in CN and we derived a nuclear spin temperature of NH3 of 29 ± 1 K. These values are similar to those found in Oort-Cloud and Jupiter Family comets. From low resolution long slit spectroscopy with FORS1 at UT2 we determined the CN, C3 and C2 production rates and the parent and daughter scale lengths up to 5.2 105 km tailward. From high resolution IR spectroscopy with CRIRES at UT1 we measured simultaneously the production rates and mixing ratios of H2O, HCN, C2H2, CH4, C2H6, and CH3OH.

Low Perihelion Near-Earth Asteroids

Abstract: We present initial results from a study of a sample of low-perihelion near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) using the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) on NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope. The 7–14 μm thermal emission spectra have been fitted with models of the thermal continuum to derive the asteroid’s effective diameter, geometric albedo and beaming parameter η. In this work, we concentrate on the thermal behavior and we find a trend of increasing η (lower thermal fluxes and cooler color temperatures) with increasing solar phase angle. The slope of this trend is somewhat different from that reported for other NEAs (e.g., Delbo 2004); if confirmed, this result would indicate that the thermal behavior of low-perihelion asteroids is different from that of other members of the NEA population. In addition, deviations of the observed continuum from the thermal model, which can be diagnostic of composition, are apparent in a few of our targets. A complete characterization of these intrinsically faint objects will benefit from the large ground based facilities described elsewhere in these proceedings.

Space Environmental Viewing and Analysis Network (SEVAN)

Abstract: The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the International Heliophysical Year (IHY) community have joined hands to deploy arrays of small, inexpensive instruments around the world. The small instrument programme is envisioned as a partnership between instrument providers, and instrument hosts in developing countries as one of United Nations Basic Space Science (UNBSS) activity. A network of particle detectors located at middle to low latitudes, Space Environmental Viewing and Analysis Network (SEVAN), aims to improve fundamental research of the particle acceleration in the vicinity of the sun and the space environment. The new type of particle detectors will simultaneously measure changing fluxes of most species of secondary cosmic rays, thus turning into a powerful integrated device used for exploration of solar modulation effects. The first SEVAN modules are under test operation at Aragats Space Environmental Center in Armenia. The network will grow in 2008 by detectors deployed in Croatia, Bulgaria and India. We present the first results of SEVAN module operation as well as a description of the DAQ electronics and software.

Asteroids with Satellites: Inventory, Properties, and Prospects for Future Discoveries

Abstract: The population of binary asteroids numbers over 160 systems, and they can be found amongst near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), Main-Belt asteroids (MBAs), Jupiter Trojans, Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). The discoveries have been made with space missions, radar observations, photometric lightcurves, and high resolution imaging from the ground and space. The properties of each population are widely different due to varying formation mechanisms and discovery techniques for each group. Future large-aperture telescopes will be capable of imaging both components for nearly all known systems and will drastically improve prospects for discovery of smaller and more tightly bound systems throughout the Solar System. The study of binary asteroids has provided valuable estimates on asteroid density and structure, a better understanding of the radiative YORP-effect, insights on catastrophic collisions, and may prove to be a key diagnostic for understanding the formation and evolution of the Kuiper Belt population.

Light’s Orbital Angular Momentum and Optical Vortices for Astronomical Coronagraphy from Ground and Space Telescopes

Abstract: The properties of optical vortices produced with spiral phase plates have recently found interesting applications in astronomical coronagraphy. Here we review the characteristics of the optical vortex coronagraph. Our simulations show that the intensity of an on-axis star can be fainted by 10 orders of magnitude, thus allowing the detection of close faint sources like extrasolar planets. We also discuss the expected coronagraphic performances achievable with a stepped spiral phase plate.

Rotation of the Nucleus, Gas Kinematics and Emission Pattern of Comet 8P/Tuttle: Preliminary Results from Optical Imaging of the CN Coma

Abstract: We present preliminary results of the narrow-band CN observations of comet 8P/Tuttle from early January 2008, realized as part of a project consisting of near-simultaneous spectroscopic monitoring of HCN at millimeter-wavelengths and optical imaging of the coma. The mean-image subtraction method revealed low-contrast CN envelopes. Using the image cross-correlation technique we measured the projected velocity of these shells. For the sunward part we found it to be equal to 0.96 ± 0.03 km s−1 on January 4 and 1.10 ± 0.01 km s−1 on January 9, whereas the anti-sunward part reached 0.73 ± 0.05 and 0.80 ± 0.02 km s−1, respectively. The periodicity of gas emission was investigated using a repeatability of the shells, their kinematics, and an aperture photometry of the near nucleus region. We found a period of 5.70 ± 0.07 h (along with multiples), consistent with previous findings by other authors. A toy Monte Carlo model was implemented to reproduce the time-series of the CN images. We show that emission of HCN into a relatively wide cone by a single active region on a rotating nucleus is the most probable scenario.

Preliminary Results from the Magnetic Field Measurements Using MAGDAS at Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract: MAGDAS, the Magnetic Data Acquisition System, was successfully installed at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria—an equatorial station—in August 2006. MAGDAS is an important component of the International Heliophysical Year, IHY. We examined the preliminary results obtained from the analysis of the geomagnetic data obtained from the MAGDAS measurement. Diurnal variations of the solar quiet daily variation in the three geomagnetic elements, H, D, Z were studied. The obtained signatures of the magnetic field variations were discussed in the context of the literature. The day-to-day variability of the horizontal and vertical intensities as well as the declination of the geomagnetic field were examined. The study justified the need for a partner magnetic field observatory along same meridian as Ilorin, north or south of it, to facilitate synthesis of the equatorial electrojet effect.

Advanced Technology Solar Telescope

Abstract: High-resolution studies of the Sun’s magnetic fields are needed for a better understanding of the fundamental processes responsible for solar variability. The generation of magnetic fields through dynamo processes, the amplification of fields through the interaction with plasma flows, and the destruction of fields are poorly understood. There is incomplete insight into physical mechanisms responsible for chromospheric and coronal structure and heating, causes of variations in the radiative output of the Sun, and mechanisms that trigger flares and coronal mass ejections. Progress in answering these critical questions requires study of the interaction of the magnetic field and convection with a resolution sufficient to observe scale fundamental to these processes. The planned 4 m aperture ATST will be a unique scientific tool, with excellent angular resolution, a large wavelength range, and low scattered light. With its integrated adaptive optics, the ATST will achieve a spatial resolution nearly 10 times better than any existing solar telescope. The ATST design and development phase began in 2001 and it is now ready to begin construction in 2009.

Reflection Driven MHD Turbulence in the Solar Atmosphere and Wind

Abstract: Alfvenic turbulence is usually invoked and used in many solar wind models (Isenberg and Hollweg, 1982, J. Geophys. Res. 87:5023; Tu et al. 1984, J. Geophys. Res. 89:9695; Hu et al. 2000, J. Geophys. Res. 105:5093; Li 2003, Astron. Astrphys. 406:345; Isenberg 2004, J. Geophys. Res. 109:3101) as a process responsible for the transfer of energy, released at large scale in the photosphere, towards small scale in the corona, where it is dissipated. Usually an initial spectrum is prescribed since the closest constraint to the spectrum is given by Helios measurements at 0.3 AU. With this work we intend to study the efficiency of the reflection as a driver for the nonlinear interactions of Alfven waves, the development of a turbulent spectrum and its evolution in the highly stratified solar atmosphere inside coronal holes. Our main finding is that the perpendicular spectral slope changes substantially at the transition region because of the steep density gradient. As a result a strong turbulent heating occurs, just above the transition region, as requested by current solar wind models.

Basaltic Asteroids in the Solar System

Abstract: Basaltic asteroids are small bodies connected to the processes of heating and melting that may have led to the mineralogical differentiation in the interiors of the largest asteroids. Therefore, a precise knowledge of the inventory of basaltic asteroids may help to estimate how many differentiated bodies actually formed in the asteroid Main Belt and this in turn may provide important constraints to the primordial conditions of the solar nebula. The identification of basaltic asteroids in the asteroid Main Belt and the description of their surface mineralogy are necessary to understand the diversity in the collection of basaltic meteorites. In this work the current work of our team is presented: (i) The mineralogical characterization of the Vesta family members; (ii) The search of new basaltic asteroids in the Main Belt. In the first case, the objective is to characterize the material excavated from the craterization event/s in the crust of Vesta. This work is related to the possible findings of DAWN mission when it arrives to Vesta in 2011. In the second case, the objective is to find the link between the diversity of basaltic material in the meteorite collection and the asteroids.

On the Transits of Solar System Objects in the Forthcoming Planck Mission: Data Flagging and Coeval Multi-Frequency Observations

Abstract: In the context of current and future microwave surveys mainly dedicated to the accurate mapping of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), mm and sub-mm emissions from Solar System will represent a potential source of contamination as well as an opportunity for new Solar System studies In particular, the forthcoming ESA Planck mission will be able to observe the point-like thermal emission from planets and some large asteroids as well as the diffused Zodiacal Light Emission (ZLE) After a brief introduction to the field, we focus on the identification of Solar System discrete objects in the Planck time ordered data

Ionospheric Tomography Network of Egypt: A New Receiver Network in Support of the International Heliophysical Year

Abstract: The International Heliophysical Year (IHY) 2007 is an international scientific program designed to coordinate observations of the heliosphere, the region of space from the solar surface through the solar wind and various planetary magnetospheres to the planetary upper atmospheres. A particular emphasis is given to the development of long-term international collaborations that will study the external drivers to the space environment and climate. The Ionospheric Tomography Network of Egypt (ITNE) is one such collaboration. It is a new chain of ionospheric tomography receivers that will be deployed to investigate the equatorial regions of the Earth’s ionosphere. The distribution of plasma density within 20° of the magnetic equator is highly sensitive to forcing from the solar wind through a process known as the equatorial fountain. ITNE will provide new observations of the density structures associated with the equatorial fountain.

Earth-Based Support for the Titan Saturn System Mission

Abstract: The Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM) concept is composed of a TSSM orbiter provided by NASA that would carry two Titan in situ elements provided by ESA: the montgolfiere and the probe/lake lander. One overarching goal of TSSM is to explore in situ the atmosphere and surface of Titan. The mission has been prioritized as the second Outer Planets Flagship Mission, the first one being the Europa Jupiter System Mission (EJSM). TSSM would launch around 2023–2025 arriving at Saturn 9 years later followed by a 4-year science mission in the Saturn system. Following delivery of the in situ elements to Titan, the TSSM orbiter would explore the Saturn system via a 2-year tour that includes Enceladus and Titan flybys before entering into a dedicated orbit around Titan. The Titan montgolfiere aerial vehicle under consideration will circumnavigate Titan at a latitude of ~20° and at altitudes of ~10 km for a minimum of 6 months. The probe/lake lander will descend through Titan’s atmosphere and land on the liquid surface of Kraken Mare (~75° north latitude). As for any planetary space science mission, and based on the Cassini–Huygens experience, Earth-based observations will be synergistic and enable scientific optimization of the return of such a mission. Some specific examples of how this can be achieved (through VLBI and Doppler tracking, continuous monitoring of atmospheric and surface features, and Direct-to-Earth transmission) are described in this paper.