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PROJECTS
The main VIRAC activities
are enlightened toward modernization of the radio telescopes RT-32 and
RT-16. These cover a whole range of technical problem solving, starting
from antenna mechanics and electricity supply questions and ending with
electronics, receiver system building and software development. One of
the main VIRAC goals is to became a member of the European VLBI Network,
taking active part in radio interferometric observations.
The first observational projects were tended to test the overall
functionality of the radio telescope. Simple transit observations
were the first ones done (see the
Observations page). After the full
pointing and tracking control establishment, the
first scientific results were obtained.
Solar observations
Observations have been carried out at 326 MHz and 10.6 GHz frequency
bands.
Fully software controlled Solar scans are produced allowing to obtain
2D images.
These images show us current active solar regions helping to study
magnetospheres of active regions. Large-scale coronal structures, such
as coronal holes, coronal loops and streamers, are under study.
Leading scientist: Boris Ryabov,
e-mail: ryabov@latnet.lv
Lunar meteoroid observations
Observations have been made at 12 GHz band.
Since 2000 regular Lunar observations are carried out during the Leonid
meteor shower maximum (November 18) indicating lasting radio emission
intensity increase. These results will help us to study the spatial
distribution of meteoroids and their character.
Leading scientist: Guntis Ozolins,
e-mail: ozo@latnet.lv
Methanol maser observations
Spectroscopical observations have been planned at 12 GHz band.
These observations will help us to study star formation regions in the
Galaxy as well as improve the antenna efficiency model depending on its
position.
Leading scientist: Guntis Ozolins,
e-mail: ozo@latnet.lv
Geodetical observations
Full time GPS observations are being carried out at our geodetical
station. Also regular gravimetric observations have been made.
The results help us to study movements of the tectonic plates in
the Nordic-Baltic region.
Leading scientist: Juris Zhagars,
e-mail: yzh@latnet.lv
Theoretical cosmological studies
Theoretical studies of the large-scale structure of the Universe are
carried out in both cosmological simulations and data analysis.
The spline method capable to find substructure in clusters of
galaxies has been developed. VLBI radio data of compact cosmological
objects has been analyzed. These results help us to study a mass and
its kind distribution in the Universe.
Leading scientist: Karlis Berzins,
e-mail: kberzins@latnet.lv
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