INTRODUCTION
A series of two meetings under the general title of Solar and Space Weather Euroconferences (SOLSPA) has recently been approved by the European Union for the years 2000, and 2001. The series is aimed at gathering, around selected topics of interest to solar physics, senior and junior researchers (from both the theoretical and the observational fields) and instrument technology experts, for better profiting from new ideas and instrumentation. The European Union co-sponsors the series by funding half of the budget.
European staff members of SOLSPA are:
B. Schmieder Observatoire de Meudon, France
P. N. Brandt Kiepenheuer Institute, Freiburg, Germany
B. Fleck ESA, The Netherlands
O. Kjeldseth-Moe Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, Norway
G. Cauzzi Arcetri Observatory, Firenze, Italy
As hosts of the first of these SOLSPA conferences, it is our pleasure to announce the meeting entitled The Solar Cycle and Terrestrial Climate which will be held in Tenerife (Spain) from 25th to 29th September, 2000.
The main focus of the Euroconference will be on the theory and observations of solar activity phenomena and their influence on the Earth's climate.
During the past two decades, satellite observations have revealed that
the total solar irradiance changes both the short timescale and the timescale
of the solar cycle. These changes in solar
output with magnetic activity could affect the terrestrial climate,
especially if larger excursions occurred in the past. One of these episodes
took place in the 17th century (the Maunder Minimum) with another shorter
one at the beginning of the 1800s (the Dalton Minimum).
The existence of indirect interactions (i.e. through cosmic rays or UV radiation) could produce an increase in the influence of solar activity on the terrestrial climate.
Simulating modern observations by an adequate combination of different kinds of proxies, it might be possible to extrapolate the irradiance changes back in time to periods for which no satellite measurements are available. In other words, the present could be the key to the past. What we learn from the past could be applied to the forecasting of future behaviour: the past could be the key to the future.
These simulated observations can be compared with the corresponding
records of surface temperatures to test the validity of a connection
between changes in total solar irradiance and variations in the surface
temperature, of the Earth. This is especially timely in the context of
the problem of global warming;
i.e. the increase in mean surface temperature by approx 0.5º C
during the present century. What is the percentage to be attributed
to the increase of solar activity during this period?
In order to evaluate the importance of the solar contribution to the present terrestrial warming, is necessary to study in detail other sources of variability such as the emission of greenhouse gases and aerosols and to elaborate techniques for distinguishing between man-made and natural variability.
This meeting will bring together different categories of researchers
such as solar and heliospheric physicists and climatologists, and will
also involve industrialists and environmentalists interested in the problem
of global warming. The participation of young researchers, PhD students
and post-doctoral, will be strongly encouraged and supported. Their active
participation in this highly interdisciplinary science
will be sought and encouraged.
The conference will take up four full days plus a fifth day (Wednesday) devoted to a visit to the Observatorio del Teide. A preliminary programme is presented below.
This first announcement is also a call for contributions. If you are interested in attending the meeting and/or contributing a paper (oral or poster), please send the attached pre-registration form to the LOC at the address below:
or fax it for the attention of Dr. M. Vázquez at +34-922-605210.
Acceptance of contributions and the final decision on which will be oral or poster is up to the SOC.
Since one of the expected benefits of this conference series is its training of young researchers and its role as a starting point for their contact with senior specialists, we strongly encourage young graduate students and post-docs to attend the meeting. Some funds are available to help young (under 35) researchers, belonging to the European Union plus Iceland, Israel and Norway, with their travel and accommodation expenses.
We have also obtained additional funding for applicants from east European countries. Those interested in receiving financial support should fill in the attached travel and accommodation (T&A) application form and send it, together with the pre-registration form, to the LOC at the same address:
or fax it for the attention of Dr. M. Vázquez at +34-922-605210.
Further (and updated) information can be obtained by e-mail request to the LOC address or on the IAC WWW home page:
http://research.iac.es/proyecto/solspa
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FIRST SOLSPA - EUROCONFERENCE
The Solar Cycle & Terrestrial Climate
25th - 29th September, 2000
Tenerife, Spain
Organized by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
_________________________________________
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM AND CALL FOR PAPERS
DEADLINE: February 1st, 2000
Name:
Address:
Citizenship:
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail address:
Please, mark the applicable statements with a cross:
I plan to attend the meeting using my own funds
I would appreciate financial support (if available)
I am also submitting an application for a T&A grant
I would like to visit the Observatorio del Teide: ... Yes ... No
My contribution will be: ... Oral ... Poster
Provisional title:
Preliminary abstract:
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE LOC (E-mail: solspa2000@iac.es)
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FIRST SOLSPA - EUROCONFERENCE
The Solar Cycle & Terrestrial Climate
25th - 29th September, 2000
Tenerife, Spain
Organized by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
_________________________________________
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GRANTS FORM
DEADLINE: February 1st, 2000
Name:
Institution:
Address:
Date of birth (if under 35):
Nationality:
Passport number:
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail address:
Funding requested: Flight fare ($US):
Accommodation (please tick if requested):
Name of thesis supervisor or senior for reference
(for students only):
E-mail of thesis supervisor or senior for reference
(for students only):
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE LOC (E-mail: solspa2000@iac.es)