SUG 4 Mar 2014
In attendance: Jim T., Chuck, Francisco, Dave, Jim B., Jim S, Tom, Wes, Whit, Dick
Andy is missing in action.
Mar 4 comments in BOLD
In order to keep this to a manageable length I have cut back dialog from previous meetings. You may find it useful to review previous SUG minutes for additional details.
New Member – Whit Reeve joined the group today. He has a new FSX machine. Welcome to the SUG, Whit!
Observing Reports and Data Files
When possible, please submit SPS file snippets to Dave for uploading onto the SUG web site. http://www.radiojove.org/SUG/Storm%20Reports/Observing%20Reports/
SARA Conference / Jove Meeting — Green Bank
Tentative JOVE section agenda posted on the SUG site. This agenda and an invitation to attend has been sent out to all Jovians.
Technology
The TWB is on-the-air and collecting data. Sample TWB spectrograms are available at http://www.radiojove.org/SUG/ under the Publications section.
Science
Dave will try to operate the TWB receiver so as to get near simultaneous observations of S-bursts at several frequencies.
Wes will send spectrograms taken simultaneously by himself and Dave to Jim T. (and the group). The intent is to show the differences in spectrograms from two close-by stations. Jim T. will forward this info to ionospheric wizards for comment.
Dick requested help from Jim T, Chuck, and Francisco in understanding the Jovian emission mechanism. Basically the issue is trying to relate spectrograph observational data to emission region physics. Discussion of such observed features as overall storm drift, burst types, arcs, and modulation lanes and how these are related to source physics such as cyclotron masers, Alfven waves, emission cones, and the Jovian magnetic field / Io interaction would be of interest. Of course these are topics that have already generated dozens of complex scientific papers. For the SUG group, discussions at a relatively introductory level would be appropriate.
The discussion of emission source physics and propagation effects began today with input from Jim T, Francisco, and Chuck. Chuck sent around a very helpful diagram of emission cones and also a Voyager spectrogram. For the next meeting we will try to look at Voyager, Nancay, and FSX spectrograms to identify various features. The emission cones themselves along with Alfven waves will certainly need more discussion as we try to get our minds around these very complex processes. Any structure and direction to these discussions that our “science guys” can suggest is certainly welcome. We appreciate your efforts and explanations.
RSS Upgrades
The recommended sweep range and number of channels (17-23 MHz and 200 channels for Io-C, and 17-26 MHz with 300 channels for all other times).
RSS Version Number
The most recent revision number for RSS is 2.2.25. It may be downloaded from
http://radiosky.com/spec/Spectrograph_Update_2_2_25.exe An upgrade to RJP is also available – this new version can be run simultaneously with RSS and allows the insertion of ephemeris data in the message line above saved images.
Archive – Data Sharing
Jim T reported on a French request to obtain Jove observation data as part of a virtual observatory program. A power point presentation by Baptiste Cecconi has been sent to all SUG members and is posted on the SUG website. Today’s SUG discussion included an overview by Jim T and Chuck and then was primarily focused on the issue of uploading data from individual spectrograph observer stations. Discussions will be ongoing as we learn how best to take advantage of this opportunity.
Spectrograph Correction Array
No discussion
System Diagrams
System diagrams and other info are at the Jove web site. http://www.radiojove.org/SUG/ Please make sure your diagrams are correct and current.
Station Reports
All stations operational.
Tom continues to get good results-he will look into the possibility of streaming spectrograph data.
Jim Brown had reasonably good success during the Io-B storm last night using the 24 MHz array alone. By switching back and forth rapidly between antennas, Jim noted that the 20.1 MHz Jove array apparently has a problem.
NEXT MEETING 18 March 2014 at 5 PM EST 888-558-3493 113500#
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