Astronomy 5600 m above sea level
Expedícia Gorak Shep 2010
Expedition plan
Main objective of the expedition is to perform astronomical observations at altitudes between 5300 and 5600 m above sea level.
Main reasons for these extreme locations are high elevation and light pollution (more accurately, lack of it).
These extreme altitudes should offer ample opportunities to test astronomical instruments and exploring their performing limits. These tests can in turn be potentially helpful in improving instruments used by public or by more serious observers.
Light pollution is one of the big issues of the modern world, even though it is usually connected with astronomy only. It might seem that the ever increasing urban lighting is a natural by-product of our way of life and we should accept it. However, the reality is very different.
Aim of the expedition is to show what we are missing out by adding more and more light and atmospheric pollution to our skies.
Unique and high quality images captured by night and day will be perfect material for advocating changes in public’s attitude towards this worrying issue.
The resulting photo-material could also be used to approach younger generation and help them in understanding the true nature of this global problem. This in turn can trigger desire in wider public for a much clearer night sky with more stars visible from wherever they live.
Unpolluted pictures of the Milky Way and other objects taken from these high altitude places will cast a spell on even the most meticulous photographer as well as the general public.
Solar observations are becoming more popular among observers of all levels due to decreasing prices of instruments. Sun with its beautifully dynamic surface manages to enchant anybody who gets the opportunity to look at it via special solar telescopes.
One of our experiments consists of photographing the Sun using H alpha filter at 5300 metres above sea level. These images will be among those very few obtained from one of the highest points on Earth.
Apart from capturing unique images, we should be able to get some useful data indicating the quality of used telescopes and filters, and also important information about observing and imaging Sun through a much thinner layer of atmosphere.
Trip plan
Date of expedition: 21.10.2010 – 09.11.2010
Place : Nepal, Gorak Shep ( 5180 m)
an area under Mount Everest
Number of members: 4
The two main parts of the expedition are hiking and experiments. The plan is to make regular observations between altitudes of 2740 and 5600 m.
For this reason, after arriving to village of Lukla we will be hiking along mountain trails with the help of sherpas to reach these extreme locations in 8 days. In between, we will go through the acclimatisation process to get used to lesser oxygen levels. After arrival to the planned altitude, we will run the majority of the experiments.
Success of the expedition, apart from the help of local sherpas, also greatly depends on the Hungarian VÁNDORLÁSS PT mountaineering company. Their expedition leaders help by supplying mountain gears, advising on nutrition and achieving efficient acclimatisation.
As part of preparation activities, the expedition members will in September take part in an acclimatisation hike in the Alps. Sleeping in tents at an elevation of 3500 m will yield precious experience for the upcoming Nepalian hike up and above 5000 m. The VÁNDORLÁSS PT provides researchers with wide range of information from behavioural observations of mixed groups (astronomers, tourists, climbers) at high elevations in oxygen-poor environments to their physical and psychological condition and performance at extreme locations under constant strain. Its expedition leaders do not rely on sherpas’ support, they carry their own gear through the whole duration of any hike.
As by the words of VÁNDORLÁSS PT: “We are always ready to share the acquired experience, observations and learnings in our public presentations. The uniqueness of the current astronomical expedition is that apart from taking part in it, we hope to help in its successful completion”.
