The United Nations selected project NORT Network of Oriental Robotic Telescopes A step of the Arab World to the contemporary astrophysics

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1 The United Nations selected project NORT Network of Oriental Robotic Telescopes A step of the Arab World to the contemporary astrophysics Prof. Dr. François René QUERCI Astrophysicist at Midi-Pyrénées Observatory (1972-) Editor of African Skies / Cieux Africains (1996-) UN Expert for Space Sciences in Western Asia (1998) Honor Member of the Arab Union on Astronomy & Space Sciences (2000-) Director of the Consulting Company CCL (2001-) Consultant of the Libyan Gov. for the National Observatory project (2002-) fquerci@ast.obs-mip.fr Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 1

2 1.1- We have to remember: the Calife Al-Mamun and the first astronomers of Damascus & Baghdad observatories ( DC) - please get up in memoria the Arab contributions to Astronomy with: the observations like the precession of equinoxes, inclination of ecliptic plane, moon motions,... the improvement of the instruments: astrolabes, water clocks,... the development of new mathematical methods, the use of spherical trigonometry, the star atlases,... Some of them among the first: Ibrahim ibn Habib al-fazari (Zig), Ya qud ibn Tariq, Al-Haggiag ibn Yusf ibn Matar, Hunayn ibn Ishaq, Some of them among the greatest ones: Al-Khawarismi, Thabit ibn Qurrah, Al-Farghani, Abu-l-Wafa al-buzagiani, Al-Battani, Ibn Al-Haytham, Al-Zarqali, Al-Buruni, Nassir Eddin and Ulug Begh Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 2

3 1.2- We have to compare Europe and Arab World in the field of scientific and technical astronomy: during the Middle-Age, when the Arab teachers were in Italy, Spain,... now, while the scientific and technological astrophysics are mainly developed in Europe, USA, and Japan, the Arab world seeing its gap increasing with these countries Consequently, we have to prepare the future Arab Astrophysics and Space Sciences: Seeing this situation, it seems urgent to open large cooperations for the rebirth of the Arab participation to the nowadays challenges Already, many pieces of evidence of this re-birth appear in Syria and in all the Arab and Muslim World: center for the youth, planetariums, lectures in universities, observatory projects,... Are needed not only North-South cooperations, but also and mainly South-South cooperations Why to handle alone a problem whereas our neighbours have to solve it also alone... Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 3

4 2- The nowadays Sciences & Technologies in AA&SS: 2.1- The main tools are: Educational background in secondary schools and universities, National capabilities and equipment for the participation of the country to the future challenges, International cooperations like VLT between European countries, Alma between USA, Europe and Japan. Why not with and in the Arab World to-morrow?? 2.2- Moreover, the Arab countries have to: Reduce or eliminate the gap with Europe in at least one or some fields of contemporary astrophysics (however not in many fields simultaneously) For that, they have to open a fund for the development of AA&SS via the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences The projects presented have to be granted on the basis of their scientific and technical merits Hovewer, cooperative projects between Arab countries have to be made easier Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 4

5 3- The 3 ways for development: 3.1- Space Sciences clubs in secondary schools and in Youth organization: Have to be developed: In large towns, cultural centers in Space Sciences with planetariums, also showing interactive models of rockets, satellites, telescopes, radars, astronomical and space models, etc..., implying various clubs of astronomy, meteorology, aerology, sismology, space sciences and technologies At some km from the large towns, clubs of amateurs with small telescopes, and space camps for launching models of rockets (from the water rockets to the 2-levels rockets with acquisition of images of the ground or measures of the parameters in-situ : temperature, humidity, speed relatively to the ground... For the villages, a space-sciences caravan with small planetarium, astronomical and/or space interactive models, books and CD-Roms, PC with internet access, small telescopes for night observations and instruments for solar observations (transit of Venus, sunspots,...). Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 5

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7 3.2- University education and training: Have to be introduced : Lectures on Space Sciences in BSc degree to start the process of education with the help of French and Regional astrophysicists by an astrophysical week each month Master of Sciences and Technologies of the Universe with two issues: A technological one, for future engineers of astrophysical observatories and space laboratories A scientific one, opening the way to PhD thesis in astrophysics or space sciences for future astrophysicists or space scientists... with a first training in the university observatory By astrophysical week lectures each month at university And after a few years: PhD thesis with two advisors, one Syrian, one French, the student spending at least 6 months by year in France during the PhD three years. A space sciences laboratory for research (PhD, scientific papers, foreign cooperations, participation to world projects,...) Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 7

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9 3.3- Cooperative scientific researches and technologies: First, scientific cooperative projects with European telescopes Then, an absolute priority on cooperative works inside the Arab network NORT By choosing scientific and technical fields to be easily handled by the Arab Universities (see later 4) With the help of an Arab States international fund for the development of the inter-arab cooperation for PhD grants, meeting grants, equipment,... via the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences Participation to networks with dedicated scientific researches, Exchange of astrophysicists So, after a few years, the Arab astrophysicists will be ready for competition with the other astrophysicists of the world, and could cooperate to the future international equipment and researches Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 9

10 4- What scientific and technical ways to choose? 4.1- Two ways for the participation to the modern Astrophysics: Various scientific and technical fields can be opened simultaneously in many Arab Universities and Research Institutes whithout any interactions between the Arab countries (do what you want: i.e. curiosity research...) Only a few ways of research and technology can be opened in the Arab Universities and Institutes interested by the Arab collaborations To be rapidly efficient, its seems clear that the second solution is the best 4.2- What astrophysical field to choose? Many constraints: Comparable equipment to be implemented in many countries to facilitate the cooperation between them Equipment not too expansive in spite of the wealth of some Arab countries Geographical situation of the Arab countries roughly near the tropic of Cancer, i.e. clear sky during many nights by year The very large extension in longitude of the Arab and Muslim world from Morocco to Malaysia and Chinese deserts, situation which makes easier a network of same-class telescopes Clear skies and numerous universities, so great possibilities for observations and analysis Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 10

11 4.3- The chosen research to be done: With many robotic telescopes implemented along different longitudes, near the Tropic of Cancer, many observations can be obtained So, observations of the variable objects, mainly variable stars, and the use of hydrodynamics to explain the observed variations seem to be a good choice for the first step of the Arab astrophysicists to the contemporary astrophysics 4.4- The observational techniques and the telescope diameter: Three techniques with CCD receivers should be used: field photometry low and high spectral-resolution spectrography and a more difficult one, i.e.: spectro-polarimetry So, a progressive technical challenge is proposed to the engineers. Taking into account the previous constraints and the price constraint, it seems that the smallest acceptable diameter for a nowadays robotic telescope is 2 meters. Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 11

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13 4.5- Technical power of such an equipment: It is function of many technical constraints; the easy terms to talk about this technical power are the S/N ratio and the magnitude limit So, with a same S/N ratio and a same magnitude limit a very large number of scientific projects can be handled with such an equipment (robotic telescope and focal equipment) on stars, galaxies,... Be careful, only some onesat the beginning to obtain an efficient group rapidly It is clear that these values are the limits of any telescope and its focal instrument. They give the observational capability of the equipment Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 13

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15 5- NORT project, a way for the participation to the modern astrophysics 5.1- Definition: The «Network of Oriental Robotic Telescopes» (NORT) is a network of 2-m diameter telescopes to be implemented on high mountains of the desert countries from Morocco to China for the participation of many countries to nowadays Astrophysics and Space Sciences It was selected by the United Nations in 1996: This project was initially selected by the General Assembly of the United Nations the 13 December 1996 (United Nations, General Assembly, Dist. General, A/AC.105/657, III-Selected Projects, A. Oriental Robotic Telescope Network, para , page 10) Many countries are nowadays involved: on university lectures and training, site testing, 2-m national or regional telescope projects: Algeria, Gulf countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Emirates and Oman), Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen. Pakistan and Malysia are also interested. Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 15

16 6- Where the NORT observatories have to be implemented? Only one answer to this question to avoid any political discussions: The choice is scientific through site testing, nothing else Site pre-selection through satellite data: Analysis on light pollution, altitude between 2000 to 3000 m, cloudiness, aerosol index and sandstorms, humidity. Analysis of the different airstreams (anti correlations between successive sites) In-situ site testing: On light-pollution and data earthquakes analysis, On local wind variation during the night (height determination of the telescope tower) By measurements of the seeing by DIMM technology, which was used around the world, it was developed by Francois RODDIER & Marc SARAZIN) On facilities: road access, water, power supply,... Finally, list of sites is given to political authorities with our priorities Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 16

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24 6.3- Needs for seeing-monitor measurements on each prospected site: a small telescope (35 cm), a prismatic lens, a small CCD, a 2.4-m diameter fiberglass dome, a bungalow, a power supply, a small 4x4 car (around Euros by site, plus food and fuel for one year), this is the chosen solution for Syria, Lebanon and Jordan Site testing duration: Generally speaking, the site testing duration is function of the size (price) of the telescope and equipment to be probably implemented on this site. For a 2-m diameter telescope, one year duration seems enough. Many sites have to be tested simultaneously at least during one year to find the best one. Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 24

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26 7- Scientific potentialities of 2m-class robotic telescopes: A 2-m telescope is a relatively small one compared to the nowadays equipment in project, but it is well adapted to the scientific researches to be done by NORT. Such a telescope is firstly dedicated to observe stellar atomic and molecular line profiles & positions variability due to shock-waves, magnetic fields; to observe planets around stars, etc by high -resolution spectroscopy and spectro-polarimetry. Let us quote some specialists on these subjects: (Dr. D. Gillet) (Dr. J.F. Donati, Dr. M. Rieutord and Dr. F. Paletou) (Dr. R. Monier, Dr. B. Plez) Dr. R. Freire (Strasbourg Obs.), Dr. P.Mathias & Dr. P. Stee (Nice Obs.) Secondly: galactic researches by CCD photometry Thirdly: occultation of stars by planets observed by CCD photometry and NEO imaging by large CCD or mosaic CCD photometry and any researches taking account of the S/N and magnitude limits. If very good seeing: adaptive optics to reduce the size of the image for a better mapping, or stellar coronography Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 26

27 8- A rapid description of the telescope and its auxiliary instruments: 8.1- Main characteristics of a robotic telescope: f/d=10, prime mirror f/d=1.5: short tube and consequently small dome High optical quality: encircled energy budget, wavefront budget relatively to the best seeing of the chosen site Pointing and tracking accuracies, on open loop, on closed loop Thermal adjustment of the focus during the night (micro motions of the secondary mirror to maintain the telescope quality during the night) 1 Cassegrain focus, 2 Nasmyth foci (one large field: 35 arc minutes to one degree), and 2 student foci on the Serrurier truss with a small field (3 arc minutes) 8.2- Focal robotic equipment: High-resolution spectrograph (R~ for radial velocity and line shape studies) in air-conditioned tank (DT~0.1 c or better) Spectro-polarimeter interface at Cassegrain focus Derotators for the two main foci for long exposures Large CCD camera or mosaic of CCD for imaging (surveys), with a wide field-corrector when large fields investigated (after some years), Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 27

28 8.3- Main characteristics of a robotic dome: Insulated & refrigerated dome with T day = T night 5 c Reinforced dome protection against sandstorms Ventilated dome during the observations for laminar air flow on the main mirror 8.4- Main characteristics of a robotic weather station: On-site weather station Sandstorm alarms at 10 km on the 4 cardinal directions Lightning alarm (if needed) with the two types of alarm 8.5- Main characteristics of a vacuum tank for mirror coating: Two sputtering cathodes AlO and SiO DC magnetron sputtering for AlO: good adherence of aluminum on the glass RF magnetron sputtering for SiO: good adherence of the SiO on the aluminium As near as possible to the telescope tower for a shortest transportation of the primary, secondary and tertiary mirrors Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 28

29 9- The buildings of the observatory: 9.1- Telescope pillar and tower: Concrete pillar and tower disconnected, their basements too Height of the tower to be deduced from the site-testing measurements Strong thermal insulation between the dome, the building and the coude room No offices in the tower, only store rooms for focal equipment and spare parts Optical-fiber spectrograph in controlled temperature room and tank (DT~0.1 c) under the telescope, inside the pillar Earthquake constraints on building construction, shape of the pillar and of the tower 9.2- Auxiliary buildings of the observatory: Scientific offices & technical labs. at the north side of the telescope tower Two types of dormitories (for day- & for night-workers), at the west side Canteen far from the dome and not in the wind going to the dome Relax room with TV, radio, upright piano, chess, ping-pong, At the south of the dome, no parking, no buildings, no road, nothing, Storage of consumable and car garage Car(s) for personnel and visitors transportation, and truck for heavy loadings transportation Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 29

30 10- The technical personnel: Education of the engineers: Ecole d Ingénieurs or Technical Master of Sciences of the Universe (option: technical astrophysics) plus six months training in some observatories: Pic-du-Midi, OHP, ESO, for the equipment maintenance (mirror coating, optics alignment,...) and for improvements when necessary (software, new CCD, new spectrograph,...) In a near future, the engineers have to be able to construct the equipment needed by the Arab astrophysicists or parts of an international equipment made in cooperative way Some good knowledge on: Optics computation and lens design Tracking and pointing of telescope (mechanics & electronics) Vacuum and low temperature techniques (CCD camera use) Precautions with optics handling and cleaning (coating many times by year) Observatory software for future adaptation to new equipment Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 30

31 10.3- Education of the technicians and night assistants: BSC in technical physics (electronics, computer sciences, optics, vacuum, mechanics),. and six months training in some observatories: Pic-du-Midi, OHP, ESO, for a daily use of the equipment, detection and repair of small problems for the daily and weekly maintenance Some good knowledge and capabilities on: Daily use of the equipment Detection of a breakdown and reparation of the small ones during the night Responsability for the equipment, mainly during the night. The astronomer does not touch the equipment. He proposes objects for observations and reduces the obtained data. Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 31

32 11- Number of Scientists, Engineers and Technicians for a 2-m diameter telescope Astrophysicits: Between 20 to 40 astrophysicists with a high theoretical background working in cooperative way on scientific projects needing the 2-m diameter telescope, Between 10 to 20 PhD students with 2 advisors, one in Arab countries, one in Europe or USA (a way to have international cooperations), For the beginning, it is recommended to choose few scientific projects to create a very good group well known in its specialised fields Engineers: Many tasks: maintenance, improvements, new detectors, cooperation or conception of new instruments for the telescope: 4 to 8 opticians, electronicians, mechanicians, sofware engineers, Technicians: Many tasks day and night like maintenance and observations: 4 to 6 for the telescope and auxiliary scientific instruments, plus 5 to 10 more for observatory services: administration, canteen, dormitories, car,... Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 32

33 12- Prospective manufacturers: few in the world Carl Zeiss, Iena, Germany: Many telescopes made by the past The last telescope made is the Aristhatos of 2.3-m diameter for Greece It seems it is the definitively last one made by this great company EOST, DFM Engineering, USA: Possible embargo problems, to be consulted (embargo for Libya and maybe Iran because some parts of equipment are high technologies) TTL, Liverpool, England New company, only one telescope is now working, good software, long optics, three are in construction REOSC & HALFMANN Companies, France & Germany REOSC has already made many telescopes during the last 50 years, it was also specialized in very high-quality optics for VLT, GEMINI, fragmented mirrors of GRANTECAN, HALFMANN is a mechanical company with 4 already working robotic telescopes of 1.2-m diameter New company AMOS, Belgium 4 telescopes of 1.8-m diameter for the VLT interferometer Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 33

34 13- Conclusion: The re-birth of the Arab Astrophysics and Space Sciences is on the way In Syria, with the YO projects, the future planetariums, the future MSC, the future observatory at Damascus University, In other Arab and/or Muslim countries: Libya, Iran, GCC, Maghreb,... Cooperative works between Arab countries like the site testing in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, scientific researches, NORT, the United Nations selected project: To federate the efforts of the Arab astrophysicists and space scientists, To open cooperations with France and Europe for teaching and training contributions, for cooperative scientific works & exchanges of scientists, for participation of Arab to future space and grown-based equipment... We are making our own future together... Dr. F.R. Querci Univ. Damascus April 04 34