NASA and Mackenzie University develop space observation project

The Mackenzie Astrophysics Radio and Astronomy Center (CRAAM) at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Sao Paulo is holding hands with the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), NASA and other national entities in a space observation research that can help in preparation for natural disasters.

Data obtained also contribute to the calibration of the GPS network.

Named Space Geodesy, the project uses the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) technique on a system borrowed from NASA. With this, it is possible to detect small deviations from the earth's axis of rotation and analyze the relationship with direct or indirect seismic activity, as in the case of tsunamis. This monitoring can also assess the impact of geophysical disturbances and the cyclic activity of the sun.

The data are obtained from the Northeast Space Observatory Radio (ROEN), located in Eusébio / Fortaleza (CE), and are integrated and correlated with those of other observatories around the planet, contributing to the calibration of the GPS network. "Despite being known for over 60 years, the use of the VLBI technique for geophysical or disaster prevention studies is innovative and this is due to the extreme accuracy of the data, " explains CRAAM project manager and coordinator Jean-Pierre. Raulin.

"We provide services to the worldwide network of scientific research, using the products to support astronomical and geodetic studies, achieving important results. A significant recent advance has been the firm intention of partners to continue collaboration, renewing the project by 2019 and strengthening the preparation and team training at undergraduate and graduate levels through technical training internships at NASA headquarters. "

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