Automated ground-based star-pointing UV -visible spectrometer for stratospheric measurements

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric science
• Spectroscopy
• Geophysics

Background:

• Long-term atmospheric monitoring is crucial for understanding climate change.
• Previous stellar systems faced limitations in continuous operation and environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and deploy a novel automated ground-based spectrometer for Antarctic atmospheric studies.
• To enhance stellar and atmospheric measurements through improved system design.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-dimensional detector array to measure stellar and sky spectra simultaneously.
• Incorporated an altitude-azimuth pointing mirror, slip rings for power, and a protective glazed enclosure.
• Developed automated pointing and tracking capabilities for selected stars and zenith sky observations.

Main Results:

• Successfully deployed the automated spectrometer system at Halley, Antarctica.
• Demonstrated the system's ability to subtract auroral emissions from stellar signals.
• Obtained preliminary measurements of Antarctic ozone concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The novel automated spectrometer system is suitable for long-term deployment in harsh Antarctic conditions.
• The system provides a robust platform for atmospheric research, including ozone monitoring.
• Future research can leverage this system for continuous atmospheric composition studies.