Executive Summary: This proposal is the continuation of the project "Creation of the Ecuadorian Network for Research in Astroparticles, Cosmic Rays and Space Climate", which fundamentally seeks the extension of the network towards the Ecuadorian southern region, with the inclusion of the University of Cuenca and the University of Azuay, as members of the network, which will collaborate with their contingent of researchers and students in basic science areas such as Astrophysics, High Energy Physics, Solar Physics, Space Weather and also in science research applied, such as instrumentation, simulation, transmission and data processing, which is strongly related to electronic engineering, communications and information systems.
The consolidation of scientific research is also sought with this initiative, promoted with the creation of the Ecuadorian Network for Research in Astroparticles, Cosmic Rays and Space Climate in the following aspects:
The theoretical and experimental studies on the flow of incident cosmic rays on the Earth's surface of Ecuador will be strengthened, it is intended to expand the network by implementing a new Cherenkov water detector (WCD), which will be built and installed in the province of Azuay. This detector will also have sensors for climatic and environmental variables. Through the development of a new electronic configuration for detection and data transfer, the aim is to modernize the data acquisition systems. - In the same way, alternative radiator means are explored to reduce and improve the signal of the detectors. For this, the physical-chemical and temporal characterization of a commercial scintillation liquid will be carried out.
- The production of synthetic data, using models and numerical simulations, will be strengthened with the implementation and performance of simulations of extensive atmospheric cascades, for different primaries using the technological infrastructure of the CEDIA Network, specifically the cluster service for HPC, in order to obtain the proportion and energy of secondary with parameters of the Ecuadorian geography. The cluster service will also be used for the implementation and execution of simulations necessary for the validation of the WCD detectors, once they have been implemented, and for the analysis and processing of data acquired by the WCD detectors and sensors of climatic variables.
- The existing digital repository will be improved, using the technological infrastructure of the CEDIA Network, linking the new Azuay WCD detector and an interconnection with the LAGO project repository. And the portal of the "Ecuadorian Network for Research on Astroparticles and Space Weather" will be maintained and updated.
- The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between universities and international collaborations such as HAWC, CERN, LAGO, RICAP, among others. The proposal seeks the development of multiple interdisciplinary scientific investigations, involving undergraduate students and researchers from the institutions proposing the project, which will be reflected in publications that will have great significance for the development of research, both nationally and internationally.
General Objectives: Extension and consolidation of the Ecuadorian research network on Astroparticles, Cosmic Rays and Space Weather, annexing the southern part of the country with the inclusion of the University of Cuenca and the University of Azuay, and strengthening the simulation, data analysis, electronic instrumentation and information systems already existing within the network.
Specific objectives:
- Design, construction and installation of a WCD cosmic ray detection system in Azuay.
- Automation of the transmission of the data acquired by the existing WCD detectors and the new detector.
- Implementation of simulations of particle flow and response of WCD detectors, using the technological infrastructure of the CEDIA Network.
- Improvement of the existing digital repository, using the technological infrastructure of the CEDIA Network, linking the new Azuay WCD detector and an interconnection with the LAGO project repository.
- Maintenance and updating of the portal of the "Ecuadorian Network for Research on Astroparticles and Space Weather".
- Maintenance of the “CHIMBITO” WCD located in the ESPOCH and the “POLITANQUE” WCD located in the EPN and updating of the data acquisition system.
- Training of new members of the Network in principles of Astrophysics, Scientific Instrumentation, Computer Simulations and Data Analysis.
- Development of degree projects or degree thesis in the development of data acquisition systems, hybrid detectors and data processing.
- Presentation of scientific articles, posters and results at international and national seminars and congresses.
Participating Institutions:
UDA, EPN, ESPOCH, USFQ, UC.
Participants:
Director of the project Andrés Baquero Larriva.
- Andres Baquero Larriva
- Nicolas Vasquez Pazmino
- Mario Audelo Guevara
- Dennis Cazar Ramirez
- Edgar Carrera Jarrin
- Andres Marcelo Vazquez Rodas
- Christian Fernando Mejia Guaman
Awarded budget: $57060
Project status: In progress.
