Atmospheric aerosols at the Pierre Auger Observatory and environmental implications

TL;DR

This paper discusses methods for monitoring atmospheric aerosols at the Pierre Auger Observatory, highlighting their environmental impact and potential for expanding the site into an atmospheric research platform.

Contribution

It introduces novel aerosol measurement techniques using lasers and light sources, and explores the aerosols' origins and environmental implications.

Findings

Aerosol optical depth profiles were successfully measured.

Aerosol phase functions were characterized.

The origin of aerosols affecting the site was identified.

Abstract

The Pierre Auger Observatory detects the highest energy cosmic rays. Calorimetric measurements of extensive air showers induced by cosmic rays are performed with a fluorescence detector. Thus, one of the main challenges is the atmospheric monitoring, especially for aerosols in suspension in the atmosphere. Several methods are described which have been developed to measure the aerosol optical depth profile and aerosol phase function, using lasers and other light sources as recorded by the fluorescence detector. The origin of atmospheric aerosols traveling through the Auger site is also presented, highlighting the effect of surrounding areas to atmospheric properties. In the aim to extend the Pierre Auger Observatory to an atmospheric research platform, a discussion about a collaborative project is presented.