Automated observatories for geospace research in polar regions

Dudeney, J.R.; Kressman, R.I.; Rodger, A.S.. 1998 Automated observatories for geospace research in polar regions. Antarctic Science, 10 (02). 192-203. 10.1017/S0954102098000261

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Abstract/Summary

The specification, development and deployment of an automated observatory designed to operate unattended for a year in the extreme climatic conditions of the polar regions is presented. Solar- and wind-powered electric generators are used to charge lead/acid batteries to provide a nominal 100 W of electrical power for operating scientific sensors. The equipment is housed in a highly insulated caboose (3m by 2m by 2m). The temperature in the latter is regulated using a unique thermal control system which utilizes the latent heat of 500 l of water stored in 25-l plastic containers. Data are logged to optical disks for collection once per year. The observatory is designed to be air-deployed using a DHC-6 aircraft. The paper discusses the rationale for designing such automated systems, the operational experience gained from several years of operation, and the application of a network of observatories to solar-terrestrial physics research.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1017/S0954102098000261
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Pre 2000 programme
ISSN:	0954-1020
Additional Keywords:	Antarctic, automatic observatory, geospace, wind power
Date made live:	25 Nov 2013 11:49 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/503993

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