• Atmosphere
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2008

The cloud amount, one of the basic parameter in atmospheric observation, have been observed by naked eyes of observers, which is affected by the subjective view. In order to ensure reliable and objective observation, a new algorithm to retrieve cloud amount was constructed using true color images composed of red, green and blue (RGB). The true color image is obtained by the Skyview, an all-sky imager taking pictures of sky, at the Science Building of Yonsei University, Seoul for a year in 2006. The principle of distinguishing clear sky from cloudy sky lies in the fact that the spectral characteristics of light scattering is different for air molecules and cloud. The result of Skyview's algorithm showed about 77% agreement between the observed cloud amount and the calculated, for the error range, the difference between calculated and observed cloudiness, within ${\pm}2$. Seasonally, the best accuracy of about 83% was obtained within ${\pm}2$ range in summer when the cloud amounts are higher, thus better signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, as the sky turbidity increased, the error also increased because of increased scattering which can explain the large error in spring. The algorithm still need to be improved in classifying sky condition more systematically with other complimentary instruments to discriminate thin cloud from haze to reduce errors in detecting clouds.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.121-138
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• 2024

Advances in solar-terrestrial physics are generally linked to the development of innovative new sensor technologies, affording us ever better sensitivity, higher resolution, and broader spectral response. Recent advances in low-noise InGaAs sensor technology have enabled the realization of low-light-level scientific imaging within the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This paper describes a new and highly sensitive ultra-wide angle imager that offers an expansion of auroral and airglow imaging capabilities into the SWIR spectral range of 900-1,700 nm. The imager has already proven successful in large-area remote sensing of mesospheric temperatures and in providing intensity maps showing the propagation and dissipation of atmospheric gravity waves and ripples. The addition of an automated filter wheel expands the range of applications of an already versatile SWIR detector. Several potential applications are proposed herein, with an emphasis on auroral science. The combined data from this type of instrument and other existing instrumentation holds a strong potential to further enhance our understanding of the geospace environment.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.185-193
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• 2018

Jang Bogo Station (JBS), the second Korean Antarctic research station, was established in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica ($74.62^{\circ}S$ $164.22^{\circ}E$) in February 2014 in order to expand the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) research capabilities. One of the main research areas at JBS is space environmental research. The goal of the research is to better understand the general characteristics of the polar region ionosphere and thermosphere and their responses to solar wind and the magnetosphere. Ground-based observations at JBS for upper atmospheric wind and temperature measurements using the Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) began in March 2014. Ionospheric radar (VIPIR) measurements have been collected since 2015 to monitor the state of the polar ionosphere for electron density height profiles, horizontal density gradients, and ion drifts. To investigate the magnetosphere and geomagnetic field variations, a search-coil magnetometer and vector magnetometer were installed in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Since JBS is positioned in an ideal location for auroral observations, we installed an auroral all-sky imager with a color sensor in January 2018 to study substorms as well as auroras. In addition to these observations, we are also operating a proton auroral imager, airglow imager, global positioning system total electron content (GPS TEC)/scintillation monitor, and neutron monitor in collaboration with other institutes. In this article, we briefly introduce the observational activities performed at JBS and the preliminary results of these observations.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2016

In recent years, there has been renewed activity in the study of local plasma density enhancements in the low latitude F region ionosphere (low latitude plasma blobs). Satellite, all-sky airglow imager, and radar measurements have identified the characteristics of these blobs, and their coupling to Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs). New information related to blobs has also been obtained from the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite. In this paper, we briefly review experimental, theoretical and modeling studies related to low latitude plasma blobs.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.169-176
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• 2014

Since the operation of the King Sejong Station (KSS) started in Antarctic Peninsula in 1989, there have been continuous efforts to perform the observation for the upper atmosphere. The observations during the initial period of the station include Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) and Michelson Interferometer for the mesosphere and thermosphere, which are no longer in operation. In 2002, in collaboration with York University, Canada, the Spectral Airglow Temperature Imager (SATI) was installed to observe the temperature in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region and it has still been producing the mesopause temperature data until present. The observation was extended by installing the meteor radar in 2007 to observe the neutral winds and temperature in the MLT region during the day and night in collaboration with Chungnam National University. We also installed the all sky camera in 2008 to observe the wave structures in the MLT region. All these observations are utilized to study on the physical characteristics of the MLT region and also on the wave phenomena such as the tide and gravity wave in the upper atmosphere over KSS that is well known for the strong gravity wave activity. In this article, brief introductions for the currently operating instruments at KSS will be presented with their applications for the study of the upper atmosphere.

• Bulletin of the Korean Space Science Society
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• 2008.10a
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• pp.32.4-33
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• 2008

Korea space weather prediction center (KSWPC) in Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) has been constructing several facilities to observe mid- to low-latitude upper atmospheric/ionospheric phenomena; VHF coherent scattering radar, All-sky Imager, and Scintmon. Those new ionospheric facilities can be integrated to produce more reliable space weather forecast and nowcast with the existing facilities; Solar Flare Telescope (SOFT), Solar Optical Observatory's sunspot telescope and solar imaging spectrograph, and Magnetometer. The specification of KASI VHF coherent scattering radar is 40.8 MHz of target frequency, 200 kHz of bandwidth, 24 kW of peak power. The science goal of this radar is to measure the irregularities in E- and F-layers over Korea, especially sporadic-E, spread-F, and traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID). The radar will be installed at Gyerong in a territory of Korean Air force by early 2009.