First Announcement
Green Bank Workshop on
Solar Radiophysics with the
Frequency Agile Solar Radiotelescope (FASR)
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Green Bank, WV 24944 USA
23-25 May, 2002
Online Pre-Registration Form

Dear Colleague:

You are invited to participate in a Green Bank Workshop on the topic of Solar Radiophysics with the Frequency Agile Solar Radiotelescope (FASR). FASR is envisioned to be a solar-dedicated broadband (0.1-30 GHz), high-frequency resolution (dn/n < 0.03) imaging array of about 100 antennas of order 2-5 m in diameter, capable of imaging at high spatial resolution (1" at 20 GHz), with time resolution < 1 s. The science to be addressed by the instrument includes (1) true coronal magnetography, (2) spectral imaging of both the high-energy and thermal component of flares and other forms of solar activity, and (3) spectral diagnostics of the non-flaring solar atmosphere. The instrument will be specially designed to address the unique radio imaging problems such as flux levels, spatial, spectral, and temporal variabilities presented by the Sun. A particular goal of the instrument is to be usable by the non-radio-expert solar physicist, and it will produce daily images and other data products that are open to the entire solar, space physics, and space weather communities.

As you may know, FASR was recommended as a priority for construction in this decade by the U.S. National Research Council's Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee. A consortium of universities, national observatories, and industry has been formed to finalize the design of FASR and press ahead with plans for construction.

As an initial step, we seek international input and concensus on the science goals and science-driven design parameters, through a FASR Science Definition Workshop. To aid in the translation of science requirements into techically feasible design parameters, the workshop will comprise both scientific and technical presentations and discussions. The oral presentations will be invited talks (speakers to be announced), but there will also be parallel poster sessions to allow for contributed scientific and technical presentations. A published proceedings is planned.

The isolation of Green Bank and its great natural beauty tend to create an atmosphere conducive to in-depth scientific discussions. The number of Workshop participants must be limited to about 50 because of restrictions on housing.  In addition to the published proceedings, the proceedings of the workshop will also be made available in electronic form.
 

TRAVEL:
Travel arrangements will be the responsibility of each participant. NRAO will attempt to organize travel for those who can arrive at Charlottesville, VA, the location of the NRAO headquarters.  We will provide detailed travel information at a later time.

GREEN BANK:
Green Bank, West Virginia, is the site of the first telescopes of the NRAO. It is located in a Radio Quiet Zone in the mountains of West Virginia and is surrounded by the Monogahela National Forest.  There are many opportunities for outdoor activities in the area which participants may take advantage of before or after the Workshop.

The Green Bank facility of the NRAO has more than 100 employees including 15 radio astronomers and an equal number of engineers and other professionals.  The Observatory is the site of the new 100 meter, unblocked-aperture, radio telescope which is now undergoing initial tests. Information about the NRAO at Green Bank can be obtained from the web site:  http://info.gb.nrao.edu.

COMMUNICATIONS:
There will be a specific website for the Workshop containing detailed travel information, lists of participants and so on.  For now, email concerning the Workshop should be addressed to bwarner@nrao.edu.  You may also call:
Phone:  (304) 456-2227
Fax:      (304) 456-2229

ONLINE ATTENDANCE FORM:
If you are interested in the Workshop please complete and submit the online form. We ask that you do so as soon as possible,  due to the extremely limited accommodations at Green Bank.  A second announcment will go out around 1 March, 2002.