The Stratospheric Censu s
team has published its final experiment report January 15th, 2009. A final presentation has been held on January 13th, 2009 for an audience of students, supporters and supervisors at IRV in Kiruna, Sweden.
Download the final report: (PDF, 5.5 MB)
Abstract
The Earth’s stratosphere contains aerosols of various origins, including
aerosols of volcanic, cosmic and anthropogenic sources.Such aerosols are
relevant to the climate. An experiment was ?own on a stratospheric balloon,
launched from Esrange, Sweden on October 8, 2008, as part of the BEXUS 7
campaign.It consisted of a pump creating an air?ow through a ?lter capable
of catching particles down to 0.3µm in diameter. A ground-controlled system
of tubes and valves ensured air?ow through the ?lter at an altitude of 12 km
and above, up to the balloon ?oating altitude of 27 km. Upon landing, the
?lter was recovered and analysed using electron microscopy, autoradiography
and X-ray ?uorescence. Autoradiography and X-ray ?uorescence indicated,
with good signi?cance, the presence of Co-57, In-11, I-125, Xe-133/Ba-133,
Cs-137 and Ir-192.
The team has experienced a year filled with an exciting, demanding and very rewarding project. Work on the scientific aspects of dust in the stratosphere will continue!
