AGF-351
Optical methods in auroral physics research (7,5 ECTS)

Prerequisite: Enrolment in a Ph.D. program (exceptionally Master students may be considered).

Application deadline: 15. April 2011

Objective:

Experimental (hands-on) understanding of optical data obtained by ground based auroral instruments as well as a theoretical background to auroral studies by optical methods.

Content:

The first part of this course gives an overview of the different types of instruments that are used in auroral optics today. The optical design and performance of photometers, spectrometers, interferometers and camera systems will be explained. An experiment in the optical calibration laboratory will be conducted to obtain the spectral sensitivity / quantum efficiency of digital colour cameras. Furthermore, the facilities at the

Kjell Henriksen Observatory (KHO) will be used, since it contains an array of up-to-date optical instruments used in studies of dayside and nightside aurora.

Parallel to the practical part of this course, general overview and theoretical lectures will be given to give an understanding of the physics involved in optical studies of the aurora and the ionosphere. The theoretical part of the course will cover auroral aeronomy, spectroscopy and remote sensing of magnetospheric processes.

	Period:	14. – 25. November 2011
	Teaching:	32 hrs lectures, ca. 46 hrs seminars and fieldwork, self-study: 2-3 weeks
	Evaluation:	Written report (counts 100 %)
	Course responsible:	Timofei Serguienko
	UNIS contact person:	Fred Sigernes