National Collaboratories Applying Information Technology for Scientific Research (1993) / Chapter Skim
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3 BUILDING COLLABORATORIES FOR SPACE PHYSICS
3 BUILDING COLLABORATORIES FOR SPACE PHYSICS
Pages 31-40
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From page 31... ...
r r ~ ~ ~ J -a This chapter briefly outlines the types of data collected and the instrumentation, methodology, and techniques of analysis used in the field of space physics; reviews some of the initial collaborative efforts in space physics research and describes additional ongoing collaborative programs; and suggests how a national colIaboratory for space physics might benefit researchers and, in turn, what components scientists would regard as basic to a useful colIaboratory. SPACE PHYSICS RESEARCH Data Collection and Instrumentation The earliest recorded observations of phenomena now studied by space physicists were sightings of the aurora.
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From page 32... ...
A typical satellite might carry a magnetometer to detect slowly changing magnetic fields and a separate sensor to measure magnetic oscillations; a device to record electric fields and waves; plasma analyzers (often a coordinated set of sensors) to measure the fluxes of charged particles as functions of their mass, energy, and direction of motion; and one or more sensors to measure high-energy charged particles.
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From page 33... ...
The Space Physics Data System, envisioned as an aid for individual researchers and a first step toward building a broad-based system for handling space physics data, is outlined as an approach whose potential utility has been acknowledged within the community of researchers. Initial and Ongoing Collaborative Programs Space Physics Analysis Network In September 1980 members of the space plasma physics science community from more than three dozen institutions met to discuss what steps were needed to provide a more coordinated approach to solving many data access and analysis problems.
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From page 34... ...
l-ne more recent workshops nave utlllzea a common database accessed by interactive computer systems used during the workshops, held normally at the NSSDC but also at other locations such as Stanford University and Toyokawa, Japan. The face-to-face workshops, themselves a key element of the overall CDAW process, have had as few as a dozen participants (in splinter CDAW meetings)
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From page 35... ...
Thus, those with access to the database could work with others without incurring the overhead costs involved in contacting many institutions. This mission was successful because it provided almost effortless access to a reasonably well funded, well-managed central data facility, as well as access to a relatively small number of dedicated scientists who understood individual instrument performance and were interested in scientific collaboration, and the freedom to analyze data remotely using tools available at home institutions rather than depend solely on the standard analysis routines provided by the central facility.)
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From page 36... ...
A geospace general circulation model is analogous to general circulation models of the lower atmosphere and will require extensive interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary research. The strategy for achieving the GEM goal is to undertake a series of campaigns involving theoretical and observational research focusing on particular aspects of the geospace environment such as the magnetotail and substorms, global plasma models, cusp signatures, and electrodynamic coupling.
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From page 37... ...
However, it is not certain how the infrastructure support needed in the post-project period will be provided. Space Physics Data System: A ColIaboratory of One Novel ideas for and approaches to scientific investigation in space physics, as in most disciplines, generally start with the efforts of a single, highly motivated individual, who then, when appropriate, enlists and encourages the participation of his/her peers in the investigation.
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From page 38... ...
Currently funded investigators could use on-line directories, user-friendly access interfaces, and network file transfer to obtain correlative data on the state of the Sun, solar wind, or ground geomagnetic indices more simply than can be done today. Associated data from various instruments on the same spacecraft could be obtained through a project data request and dissemination system interfacing with the collaboratory network.
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From page 39... ...
A colIaboratory might have a public bulletin board or user interface that could provide access to general information about space science. COMPONENTS OF A COLLABOR\TORY INFRASTRUCTURE The possible uses of a colIaboratory for space physics suggest a number of components that would serve to enable efficient collaboration between two or more space physicists and even "collaborations of one" allowing a single investigator to synthesize data from a number of different sources.
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From page 40... ...
Networking services needed include electronic mail, file transfer, remote log-on and execution, database management, teleconferencing, "whiteboard" or electronic "scratchpad" capability, shared access to common graphical displays, and so on. The networking services must all meet basic levels of performance with respect to quality, reliability, and response time, and higher levels of performance should be worked toward.
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