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The South African Neutron Monitors Anne Mans Centre for Space Physics

The South African Neutron Monitors Anne Mans Centre for Space Physics North-West University, Potchefstroom 13 Ocotber 2010. Space Research Centre at Potchefstroom Gamma-ray Astrophysics Radio-Astronomy Heliospheric Physics

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The South African Neutron Monitors Anne Mans Centre for Space Physics

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  1. The South African Neutron Monitors Anne Mans Centre for Space Physics North-West University, Potchefstroom 13 Ocotber 2010

  2. Space Research Centre at Potchefstroom • Gamma-ray Astrophysics • Radio-Astronomy • Heliospheric Physics • A Modeling /theoretical studies (Burger, Ferreira, Moraal, Potgieter plus • younger staff and students • B Neutron Monitors/Antarctic Programme • H Moraal (Group leader) • PH Stoker (Retired; initiator; quality control • H Krüger (Teacher & calibration nm research) • AD Mans (Station manager, IT, data analysis, data publication) • G Benade (Electronics Engineer) • Two Antarctic expedition members (on average)

  3. Neutron Monitor Stations • Sanae, Antarctica, 6 NM64 Pc = 0.8 GV • Sanae, Antarctica, 4 NMD (bare counter) Pc = 0.8 GV • Hermanus, 12 NM64 Pc = 4.9 GV • Potchefstroom, 15 IGY Pc = 7.1 GV • Tsumeb, Namibia, 18 NM64 Pc = 9.1 GV

  4. Neutron Monitor Stations • Sanae, Antarctica, 6 NM64 Pc = 0.8 GV • Sanae, Antarctica, 4 NMD (bare counter) Pc = 0.8 GV • Hermanus, 12 NM64 Pc = 4.9 GV • Potcheftrtoom, 15 IGY Pc = 7.1 GV • Tsumeb, Namibia, 18 NM64 Pc = 9.1 GV • Hermanus; “a tradition since July 1957”. ….. are Moscow and Thule older?

  5. Hermanus (9 of the 12 counters)

  6. Recent work of note • Calibration effort • Double-source mechanism for GLEs • Comprehensive overview of 2009 cosmic-ray maximum

  7. Calibration project Krüger, H., Moraal, H., Bieber, J.W., Clem, J.M., Evenson, P.A., Pyle, K.R., Duldig, M., Humble, J.E. A calibration neutron monitor: Energy response and instrumental temperature sensitivity. Journal of Geophysical Research, 113, A08101, doi:10.1029/2008JA013229, 2008. Krüger H. and Moraal H. A calibration neutron monitor: Statistical Accuracy and Environmental Sensitivity. Advances in Space Research, JASR10263, DOI 10.1016/j.asr.2010.07.008., 2010 So far calibrated: Sanae, Potchefstroom, Kiel, DoiIthanon .

  8. Recent work of note Double-source mechanism for GLEs

  9. Sanae Neutron Monitor 20 January 2005

  10. Recent work of note Comprehensive overview of 2009 cosmic-ray maximum

  11. Status • Funding not threatened - can apply for next five-year round in 2011 • Plans and Vision • Automate neutron monitors (GertBenade) • Time-of-arrival stamp: one full card for each counter - 220 V • mains in, time-stamp of pulse out • Fulfill calibration promise (Helena Kruger) • Put “calibrator” type NM permanently on Polarstern (Collaboration) • Drill for 10Be in Antarctica (Collaboration) • Participate in NMDB – but not take initiative

  12. SouthAfricanNeutron Monitors 4 NM stationscheckedeveryday : Tsumeb– non-technicalperson Potchefstroom– Prof PH Stoker Hermanus– technicalstaffmemberfrom HMO SANAE – teammember Daily: downloadfrom Tsumeb & Hermanus (data previousday) Weekly: Prof Stoker control & editwhenneccessary Monthly: Prof Stoker check & comparebeforepublishing HMO: Hermanus Magnetic Observatory Data files - onlyminutes are recorded

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