Automated observatories for geospace research in polar regions

• Published in: Antarctic Science
• Main Authors: Dudeney, J.R., Kressman, R.I., Rodger, A.S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1998
• Subjects: Geology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Oceanography; Antarctic Science
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102098000261; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0954102098000261

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.