Basic Info
Projects
| Project | Type | Duration |
|
Optical characterization of particles in exteriors and interiors
Program: VEGA
Small size particles can easily penetrate different environments and have a detrimental effect on human health on both the interior and exterior. In addition to their negative impacts on the health of the population, micrometer-sized particles determine the distribution of diffuse daylight as well as its availability indoors. Environmental turbidity is a critical factor for predicting the amount of solar energy (photovoltaic, PV). Currently, most models assume that particles are spherical in shape, and this limitation is expected to have minimal impact on the accuracy of model predictions. However, such models suffer from a systematic bias, as the particles in urban environments are neither spherical nor spheroidal, and their varying shapes contribute to amplitude fluctuations of direct and diffuse radiation components. The goal of the project is to determine the effect of particle shape on detected radiation and to develop optical methods for characterizing particles in their natural environment.
|
national | 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027 |
|
International network for harmonization of atmospheric aerosol retrievals from ground based photometers
Program: COST
Aerosols are particles floating in the Earth’s atmosphere linked with the largest uncertainty on estimates and interpretations of the Earth’s changing energy budget. Measurement principles differ depending on the desired derived aerosol optical parameter and on the measurement platform (surface or space).The common aerosol columnar properties’ retrieval techniques, consists of direct measurement of a bright source of radiation (sun, star, moon, sky) with a multi-wavelength photometers. Several global photometric aerosol networks exist. However, there are several instrumental, algorithm and hardware based differences on their related aerosol products and a global standardization is needed. In addition, in order to improve and optimize sun- and moon- photometric aerosol measurements, a network of aerosol scientists and operators, aerosol measurement users and software, hardware developers is needed.The objective of “ΗΑRΜΟΝΙΑ” Action is to establish a network involving institutions, instrument developers, scientific and commercial end users, in order to improve and homogenize aerosol retrievals using mainly solar and sky but also lunar and star photometers from different networks. It aims bridging user needs and the science and technology expertise residing in academia and industry, through:- Increasing the interactions and knowledge exchanges between several atmospheric aerosol network measurement scientists and users- Standardizing and improving of existing aerosol products and tools, towards a “harmony” in the aerosol photometry- Stimulating the communication between operational agencies and academia, with the aim to increase the applicability of aerosol products.- Encouraging and organizing the dialogue between researchers and instrument manufacturers, towards innovation actions on current and future photometric-aerosol instrumentation.
|
international | 1.10.2022 – 31.10.2026 |
|
The birth of solar systems (PLANETS)
Program: COST
Solar systems emerge from the dust, gas, and ice present in discs encircling newly-born stars. State-of-the-art images from current telescopes have revealed complex substructure (rings and gaps) in dust and gas that may be caused by forming planets. However, these observations have raised many questions regarding when and how planets form; for example, we see rings in discs too young to birth planets, and we measure disc masses too low to form a Solar System analogue. Further, the demographics provided by observations of extra-solar planetary systems have revealed huge diversity and hint that our Solar System may be unique. It is clear that our picture of the birth of Solar Systems remains incomplete despite these great advances in observations.This Action will create a multi-disciplinary network covering three cornerstones: experiments, models, and observations. Experimental data is needed to accurately prescribe physics in models of disc evolution and planet formation, and to correctly interpret observations of dust and gas emission. Models are a “virtual laboratory” within which the impact of physics can be explored, and from which observational diagnostics can be created. Finally, observations provide us with the benchmarks needed to confirm or refute our picture of Solar System birth.To build a holistic picture of how Solar Systems form can only be achieved with an interdisciplinary and pan-European network. This Action will provide the structure and funding needed to develop the research framework, provide training to the next generation, and to disseminate the findings to key stakeholders.
|
international | 1.9.2023 – 30.9.2027 |
Publications
No publications found for the selected year.
