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VLBI local baseline observations at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell
To provide the geodetic infrastructure necessary for monitoring the Earth system and for Global Change research, an end-to-end redesign of the current geodetic VLBI operations called the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) is underway.
In this framework, new radio telescopes are constructed worldwide. These new telescopes form an independent network that has to be linked to the legacy station network that already has a decade-long observing history.
The Geodetic Observatory Wettzell is equipped with three radio telescopes, one 20-meter large legacy antenna that has been operational since 1983 and has contributed the most VLBI measurements worldwide, as well as two new 13-meter large VGOS-style telescopes. By using specially designed VLBI observation sessions between these three telescopes, it is possible to calculate the local baselines between the telescopes with highest accuracy, helping to link the legacy network to the VGOS network.
Keywords: VLBI, scheduling
English
English
In this project, you will get the chance to work with real, state-of-the-art VLBI observations. Your first task is to investigate a strategy for generating an optimal observation plan, the so-called scheduling, and evaluate it based on large-scale Monte-Carlo simulations. For this task, existing software can be used.
Based on your observing plan, real measurements will be recorded by our partners at Wettzell who also take care of the raw data processing including correlation. Next, your task will be to analyze the observations and estimate precise station coordinates and local baseline vectors using existing VLBI analysis software. Finally, your results will be compared with estimates from previous local baseline sessions as well as terrestrial measurements.
In this project, you will get the chance to work with real, state-of-the-art VLBI observations. Your first task is to investigate a strategy for generating an optimal observation plan, the so-called scheduling, and evaluate it based on large-scale Monte-Carlo simulations. For this task, existing software can be used. Based on your observing plan, real measurements will be recorded by our partners at Wettzell who also take care of the raw data processing including correlation. Next, your task will be to analyze the observations and estimate precise station coordinates and local baseline vectors using existing VLBI analysis software. Finally, your results will be compared with estimates from previous local baseline sessions as well as terrestrial measurements.
Dr. Matthias Schartner (mschartner@ethz.ch),
Christian Plötz (christian.ploetz@bkg.bund.de), Prof. Benedikt Soja (benedikt.soja@geod.baug.ethz.ch)
Dr. Matthias Schartner (mschartner@ethz.ch), Christian Plötz (christian.ploetz@bkg.bund.de), Prof. Benedikt Soja (benedikt.soja@geod.baug.ethz.ch)
VLBI local baseline observations at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell.pdf
