Bulgarian Scientists to Study Solar Activity from Antarctica in Groundbreaking Project
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Loading... - Rainer Clemens
- 29 Jul 2024
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"Impact of Solar Activity on Ionospheric Dynamics and High-Energy Particle Fluxes over Antarctica" is the title of the pioneering Bulgarian polar astronomical scientific research project set to take place in 2024-2025 at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingstone Island. This marks the first Bulgarian polar astronomical project of its kind, spearheaded by a team of scientists from the Institute of Astronomy with the National Astronomical Observatory at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Technical University - Sofia, and the Higher Naval School "N. J. Vaptsarov". The project is led by Associate Professor Dr. Kamen Kozarev and has been approved for funding by the National Center for Polar Research at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".
Importance of Solar Activity Research
Studying the Sun and its activity is crucial for understanding its impact on humans and the Earth's biosphere. Solar storms, which sometimes reach Earth, can lead to geomagnetic activity, affecting the planet's ionosphere and causing radio communication interference. With the solar cycle expected to peak in 2025, solar flare events are anticipated to occur almost daily, making this research timely and essential.
The primary objective of this project is to study the solar corona's activity, including solar flares and mass ejections. Researchers will conduct high-frequency radio observations to gather valuable data on the speed and energy of these coronal mass ejections. For the first time, the project will detail the pulsations in the Earth's ionosphere caused by solar storms from the unique vantage point of the polar base on Livingston Island. This location is chosen for its proximity to the South Pole and its quiet radio environment, ideal for such sensitive observations.
Research Activities
- Daily Radio Observations: Conducting multi-hour radio observations of the Sun daily from the Bulgarian Antarctic Base, leveraging its advantageous location.
- Studying Solar Flares: Detailed study of pulsations in solar flares and characteristics of shock waves in the solar corona.
- Observing Solar Cosmic Rays: Monitoring solar cosmic rays, consisting of particles accelerated during solar flares, and studying their behavior as they travel through the solar corona and into interplanetary space.
- Ionospheric Observations: Simultaneous observations of changes in the ionospheric layer from Livingston Island, Bulgaria, and Ireland, utilizing the ionosphere as a massive detector during solar activity.
Expected Outcomes
The project aims to provide significant insights into the acceleration of solar cosmic rays and the timing and locations of their acceleration streams. Continuous radio spectral observations during the Antarctic summer will allow for up to 20 hours of monitoring daily. These observations will contribute to understanding peak solar flares and their effects on the Earth system.
By leveraging the strategic location of the Bulgarian Antarctic Base and advanced scientific equipment, the project promises to yield groundbreaking data on solar activity and its impact on Earth's ionosphere and magnetic field. This research will not only enhance scientific knowledge but also improve our ability to predict and mitigate the effects of solar storms on modern technology and communication systems.
