UiO Collaborates on radiotelescope in Northern Norway

Purpose of the agreement

The goal of the Solaris project is to place a radiotelescope on Svalbard and/or near Tromsø to complement solar observations already taking place in Antarctica. Professor Sven Wedemeyer, the project coordinator at RoCS, UiO, stated: - The sun cannot be observed from Antarctica during the northern summer, making Northern Norway a crucial supplement.

Key Collaborators

The Solaris collaboration involves several Norwegian and Italian institutions, including:

• National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), Italy
• The University of Milan
• University of Oslo
• Tromsø Geophysical Observatory, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
• UNIS - The university centre in Svalbard

Solar activity research

Since 2017, RoCS - Rosseland Center for Solar Physics at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics has contributed to a deeper understanding of solar activity through advanced observations and numerical simulations. The center has specifically focused on the dynamic processes in the sun's atmosphere, which are essential for uncovering the mechanisms behind sunspots, coronal eruptions, and other solar phenomena that affect space weather and have consequences for Earth.

RoCS has developed significant expertise in solar observations at millimeter and radio wavelengths, allowing researchers to study solar activities in detail.

The team behind RoCS is now seeking to establish a new center focused on space weather. Wedemeyer explains: 'With the new center, we aim to further expand our research by studying the sources of space weather on the Sun. This will not only enhance our scientific understanding but also have practical implications for technology and public safety.

The importance of the Solaris project

Magnar Gullikstad Johnsen from the Tromsø Geophysical Observatory explained in a lecture at UiO the same day that Solaris will enable the prediction of solar eruptions up to 30 hours in advance. - This will be a significant advancement in space weather forecasting. Norwegian and European space weather forecasting needs to be strengthened to become independent of American space weather data, said Johnsen.

Currently, solar eruptions can only be alerted as they occur, relying on probabilistic forecasting. Johnsen noted that this is insufficient for protecting technical installations.

Community and infrastructure impact

Johnsen highlighted that space weather poses risks to critical infrastructure, including offshore operations, power grids, navigation, and satellites. - Norway’s position under the auroral zone makes it particularly vulnerable to space weather effects, he said.

Geography and vulnerability

Norway's location under the Auroral Zone makes the country particularly susceptible to space weather. Johnsen warns about the daily effects of space weather and their potential impact on critical services: - If the power grid goes down, it can create a domino effect.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Research on space weather requires collaboration with sectors such as the power and oil industries. Johnsen mentions the ongoing partnership with the Norwegian Mapping Authority and the Meteorological Institute to establish a national space weather warning service.

The future of space weather research

Regarding future trends, Johnsen emphasizes the need for better models to predict the effects of solar phenomena: - We want to address space weather with preparedness and safety in focus. He draws inspiration from the northern lights and recognizes the importance of building on the rich history of the Northern Lights Observatory: - We have proposed to the government to include a national space weather warning service in the state budget.