and David Pugh, Southampton Oceanography Centre, UK
Bjorn Engen kindly provided the following notice of the opening of the Ny Alesund geodetic observatory. He also copied to us a longer report by Bjorn R.Pettersen which describes the observatory in more detail, particularly emphasing the VLBI work. Copies can be obtained from the Statens Kartverk (fax +32 11 81 01, tel +32 11 81 00).
On Wednesday 16 August 1995 the Ny-Alesund space geodetic observatory was officially opened by HM King Harald V. The Norwegian Mapping Authority has built a geodetic observatory barely 11 degrees from the North Pole.
As early as 1991 a permanent satellite receiver for downloading radio signals on two frequencies from the American Global Positioning System (GPS) was installed on Ny-Alesund, Svalbard. The receiver is part of an international network for calculating improved orbit parameters, earth rotation parameters and realization of accurate reference systems. The Mapping Authority also has plans to install a PRARE receiver, a two-way system whose main purpose is to calculate precise orbit data for the ERS-2 satellite.
With its unique position near the North Pole, Ny-Alesund can observe and cooperate with all other observatories in the northern hemisphere.
The Norwegian Mapping Authority has installed satellite receivers for both American (GPS) and Russian (Glonass) satellite systems which are used for precise position determination and navigation. This requires accurate revolution-to-revolution tracking of the satellites' orbits. A handful of core stations situated around the world therefore have the task of continuously tracking the satellites so that their orbits are updated at all times. Norway contributes to this core network with stations in Tromso and Ny-Alesund. Other observation sites can use the results so that they too can be as accurate as possible.
The building of the geodetic observatory in Ny-Alesund represents a major investment for the Norwegian Mapping Authority. It gives access to the most modern technologies and methods, and entry to professional circles and research institutions around the world. The American space agency NASA became very interested in Norway's decision to build an observatory on Svalbard and has directly contributed specially trained staff and lent costly electronic equipment for observation work.
Because space geodetic techniques are global in nature and mode of operation, the Norwegian Mapping Authority cooperates closely with a number of countries.
GLOSS Group of Experts Chairman David Pugh was also at the opening of the observatory and provided this report with particular reference to the tide gauge at Ny Alesund.
A small hut, open for only a few hours a day for the scientists working in the Spitzbergen settlement of Ny Alesund (78 degrees 56 minutes north), is the most northerly post office in the world.
Some 500 metres further north the new jetty supports what is probably the most northerly tide gauge in the world (if anyone challenges this, please contact the editor!). Click here to see a plot of Ny Alesund's mean sea level record; the later data are from the new gauge.
The gauge, which is well maintained by the Norwegian Geodetic Authorities, continues the tradition of sea level measurements at Ny Alesund. On Wednesday 16 August , the King and Queen of Norway visited Ny Alesund to inaugurate the new VLBI station, which will help to fix Spitzbergen sea levels in geocentric co-ordinates. For the day the population of the base swelled from the summer average of 80, to more than 200. The press were there in force as the King made the final blow to fix the new benchmark in place. So too were a few invited guests from NASA, NOAA and GLOSS. The views of the King, the VLBI receiver, and the glaciers surrounding Kongsfjord featured prominently on the Norwegian national news. Have any other readers of the GLOSS Bulletin had similar publicity?
Even while the opening ceremony was in progress the Norwegian scientists were busy taking VLBI measurements as part of a global experiment. As the Geodetic Director, Bjorn Engen explained, the new facility is well placed to strengthen the global VLBI network as it extends over the north pole.
