News from INOE - Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory - using LIGHT to scan the SKY

In May 2009, Norway Grants awarded a non-refundable financial assistance of 2.5 million Euros to the implementation of a brand new observatory in Romania. This project involves 7 Romanian partners (research institutes and universities) and a strategic partner from Norway.

25/03/2010 ::

Considering its expected impact on the development of atmospheric science in Romania, National Agency for Scientific Research granted 0.44 mil EUR for the construction of a new building to host this observatory, inside the Physics Platform, Magurele, Ilfov.

RADO is the first atmospheric observatory in Romania, dedicated to experimental and theoretical research for climate change and air quality, including both operational (monitoring) and scientific activities (studies, analysis). The novelty of the measurements consists in the cutting-edge instruments based on lasers that are going to monitor the atmosphere. Direct measurements are complemented by modeling and real time satellite imagery.

RADO is based on 5 high-tech monitoring stations in Bucharest (Magurele - SW and Baneasa - N), Iasi, Cluj, Timisoara, and one Data Center where students and young researchers will have a great and unique data resource for their research.

The observatory is going to have also a Science Center open to the public, operational by May 2011. The Science Center will be a resource for education, interactive learning and science demonstrations for children, high school students, and for general public.

 

After 9 months from the beginning of the project:

·         12 people (researchers and marketing) were employed

·         18 people were trained in top atmospheric science

·         2 international workshops were organized, more than 100 participants from all over Europe

·         more than 800 people accessed the Observatory's site, having access to various level of environmental information

·         more than 450 visitors at the outdoor event "Researchers Night 2009" attended our science demonstrations

·         many promotional materials (interviews, documentaries, press conferences, articles, brochures and leaflets) were distributed to the public

·         building design is ready and construction will start soon

·         new equipments were purchased and installed, including real time satellite imagery system EUMETCAST, upgraded or developed

·         data collection has started and is continuously improving

·        atmospheric products for professionals and non-professionals are in preparation and will be soon available for users via web interface

 


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