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Some of the radio amateurs visiting the SIDC - Solar Influences Data Analysis Center in Ukkel. From left to right, Luc (ON7BAU), Karel (ON8BK), Pedro (ON7WP), Mart (ON6RW) and Remi (ON5RW). The total number of people attending was about 16 from both the clubs of Mechelen and Heist od Berg. |
| One of the many slides during the one hour presentation made by C. Marqué of the SIDC. On the slide we got an impression of the "modern" equipment used to perform data analysis on radio signals originating from the sun. The data is collected in Humain, where a log periodic is mounted on a tracking parabolic, feeding the radio spectrum into a Philips TV Tuner. The total hardware cost is kept as low as possible and around $ 200. |  |
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The dome housing some telescopes used for sun measurements (solar spots) and other analysis. It was explained that measuring the sun spots was still done "by hand" on a carton board to replicate a 4 century old behavior. Only after enough data is collected with digital methods, interpolation will be done so that the old technique will no longer be necessary. |
| Inside the dome, admiring the platform that holds the various telescopes. The whole mechanic is mounted on an isolated concrete pole which goes down to the base of the building to avoid vibrations when the dome itself is moving. |  |
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An interesting presentation of the capabilities of the PROBA-2 satellite which is equipped with various instruments made in Belgium. All these instruments are controlled from Ukkel, using a satellite uplink in Redu. The collected and processed data is available for the general public at the following link. |