Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia
Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia
Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Astronomy <strong>and</strong> Atmospheric<br />
Science <strong>Research</strong> Unit<br />
The Astronomy <strong>and</strong> Atmospheric Science <strong>Research</strong> Unit (AASRU) was established in<br />
August 1990 to undertake an integrated research programme in the fields of applied<br />
astronomy <strong>and</strong> atmospheric science, exp<strong>and</strong>ing the research projects that had been<br />
conducted at USM in earlier years.<br />
The research is complemented by post-graduate research programme (Ph.D. <strong>and</strong><br />
Masters) <strong>and</strong> undergraduate Students <strong>Research</strong> Projects. It also has an active publications<br />
programme <strong>and</strong> a service providing information on astronomical <strong>and</strong> atmospheric<br />
data to the public as well as to other scientists <strong>and</strong> organises public viewing of special<br />
events like eclipses <strong>and</strong> comets.<br />
The scientific research programme has two areas of focus: Atmospheric Science <strong>and</strong><br />
Applied Astronomy. The 5-year experimental research project (1995-2000) which<br />
established a benchmark data for global change studies included ozone layer studies,<br />
solar ultraviolet radiation studies, solar radiation <strong>and</strong> meteorological parameters. Studies<br />
on lunar calendrical astronomy, sky brightness, atmospheric extinction <strong>and</strong> sun-spot<br />
activity are basically the main areas in applied astronomy research <strong>and</strong> are currently<br />
the on going research themes.<br />
Sheikh Tahir Astronomical Center (STAC) was equipped with a 12” Schmidt-Cassergrain<br />
telescope <strong>and</strong> a 3.5 metre observatory dome as well as a high quality CCD imager<br />
<strong>and</strong> SSP7 photometer, together with a few telescopes for research <strong>and</strong> outreach<br />
programme purposes.<br />
This Unit also in-charge of the first observatory in the Northern region, Sheikh Tahir<br />
Astronomical Center (STAC) located at Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, Penang. STAC<br />
is the official station for the new moon/cresent sighting in Penang.<br />
The Unit has an active programme of seminars/conferences <strong>and</strong> publications;<br />
in the past 10 years it has organised more than 20 seminars/conferences<br />
including some in association with the UNEP. A number of international<br />
agencies <strong>and</strong> projects have been associated with the development of the<br />
projects undertaken by the Unit over the years such as the Glonet Project<br />
(IGAC), SPARC (WRCP).
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