Research Laboratory (Observatory) Solar-Terrestrial Physics
sun-earth-physics
The laboratory (observatory) of solar-terrestrial physics has been engaged in continuous observations since the 1960s. The laboratory comprises three relatively autonomous structural units - the Cosmic Ray Observation Station, “Novosibirsk” Geophysical Observatory, and “Klyuchi” Ionospheric Research Station - which are based in Kamenushka settlement and spaced apart.
The Observatory provides round-the-clock monitoring of the Earth’s magnetic field (EMF), cosmic rays and ionosphere, which primarily involves (i) continuous measurements; (ii) primary data collection and their subsequent processing; (iii) regular updates of the databases; (iv) data archiving for their export into the international exchange system.
The integration of main objectives of the Observatory’s structural units provides for data collection and analysis in order to study relationships between solar activity and variations in different geophysical fields; and interactions between shells (solid, air and water) encircling our planet. At the same time, the research stations conduct their own observations independently, to solve specific, narrowly defined tasks.
The tools and equipment available at the Novosibirsk Cosmic Ray Observation Station, include:
- The 24 NM-64neutron monitor that consists of 4 spaced apart sections to provide records of 1-minute and hourly variations in the nuclear active component of cosmic rays (CR) intensity.
- The detector is based on 4 sections (A, B, C, D) neutron monitor (24 NM-64) surrounded by SGM-14 counters. Multichannel observations are implemented at the expense of synchronous registration of all secondary
components of CR: the total ionizing, nucleon and meson components of CR, multiplicity of local generation of neutrons and muons at different angles to the zenith from different azimuth directions. The total number of registration channels is 32.
- The matrix muon telescope consisting of a set of SGM-14 gas-discharge proportional counters provides registration of the total ionizing and meson components.
- The neutron monitor data for the intensity of muons are recorded without a lead screen (OI) and with a lead screen at angles to the zenith at 0, 30, 40, 50, 60, 67 and 71 degrees.
- The auxiliary equipment includes electronic barometer for continuous real-time measurements of atmospheric pressure to the accuracy of 0.1MB (BRS-1M)); electronic barometer for readings check (hourly) using a
testing mercury barometer; electronic thermographs for continuous measurements of internal and external ambient temperatures and humidity, B8-8 voltage instability detector, Eaton 9130 uninterruptible power system (3000 BA) and GPS receiver.
The Cosmic Ray Observation Station provides continuous high-accuracy records of
- cosmic ray neutron component registered by 24 counter tubes (channels) with NM64 neutron monitor ( the coverage area 24 sq.m.);
- local-generation neutron multiplicity (in 32 channels);
- total ionizing component (in 4 channels);
- muon components from eight arrival azimuthal directions at different zenith angles: 0, 30, 40, 50, 60, 67 and 71o (27 channels);
- air temperature regime;
- atmospheric pressure.
The Cosmic Ray Observation Station, Novosibirsk, provides real-time measurements, collection, diagnostics and primary processing of the obtained data. The database is available at: http://cosm-rays.ipgg.sbras.ru/
The Novosibirsk Geomagnetic Observatory, operates:
- electronic LEMI-008 variometer –magnetometer with a ferro-probe (three components: X,Y,Z);
- digital magneto-variation station CMVS Quartz-09 ( H,D,Z components)
- POS-1 Overhauser Magnetometer measuring field modulus F (scalar magnetometer for continuous recording of magnetic field strength);
- DI-magnetometer LEMI-203 (theodolite type 3T2KP), used as a null detector (i.e. the output of the fluxgate sensor is zero when the magnetic field vector is perpendicular to the sensor) to measure the declination (D) and inclination (I) angles of the geomagnetic vector;
- theodolite Theo-020B fitted with DI-magnetometer;
- AKM proton magnetometer.
The geomagnetic observatory provides continuous (1-second data) registration of all elements of terrestrial magnetism. The absolute observations aim to control the base-line values (the difference between the absolute values and raw variation data) for each magnetic component, as well as to determine the scale value and temperature coefficients.
The Novosibirsk Geophysical Observatory is registered with the International Association for Geomagnetism and Aeronomy IAGA and participates in the INTERMAGNET network as a magnetic observatory (code : NVS). Digital 1-minute data (IAGA standard, X, Y, Z, F components) of the observatory is located on the INTERMAGNET website: http://www.intermagnet.org . Digital 1-second database is available at http://im.ipgg.sbras.ru/
The Novosibirsk Geophysical Observatory provides ionospheric behavior monitoring using the modular AIS-Parus ionosonde, which is designed to diagnose the state of the ionosphere in automatic and manual modes by the method of vertical sounding, as well as by methods of direct transionospheric and reverse transionospheric sounding.
The main parameters of the ionosonde are set using a PC. The Parus ionosonde functions as a standard ionospheric station, to perform routine hourly sounding of the ionosphere. To suit special experiments, ionospheric soundings can be made with 1, 5, 30 min intervals.
The Ionospheric Station provides continuous registration of:
- critical frequencies of the main ionospheric layers E, F1 and F2, as well as sporadic Es layer;
- minimum electron density altitude of the main ionospheric layers (E, F1 and F2), and sporadic Es layer;
- the ionospheric minimum frequency (fmin) and the ultimate frequency of scattered or oblique incidence reflection from region F;
- blanketing frequency of sporadic layer and its type.
Hourly values of coefficients M3000 are computed for layers F1 and F2, as well as the maximum electron density altitude.
The Ionospheric Station is registered with the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) as an ionospheric station (code: NS355).
The ionospheric observations database is available at http://im.ipgg.sbras.ru/.
Белинская А.Ю., Хисамов Р.З., Янчуковский В.Л.Метеорологические наблюдения в рамках мониторинга космических лучей // Интерэкспо ГЕО-Сибирь - XIX Международный научный конгресс. Международная научная конференция "Недропользование. Горное дело. Направления и технологии поиска, разведки и разработки месторождений полезных ископаемых. Экономика. Геоэкология": Сборник материалов в 8 т. (г. Новосибирск, 17-19 мая 2023 г.) – СГУГиТ – Новосибирск – VolumeТ. 2 – Issue3 – P. 34-39 – 2023
