International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy

June 9 – 18, 2008

Location
Golden and Boulder, Colorado, USA

Sponsors
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Colorado School of Mines (CSM)
International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA)

The purpose of the XIIIth IAGA Workshop on Geomagnetic Observatory Instruments, Data Acquisition and Processing will be to examine the practical and theoretical challenges of observations of the Earth’s magnetic field at Geomagnetic Observatories. The fundamental goal of the Workshop is the exchange of information, tools, and experience relating to the methodology of such observations. The Workshop will be divided into two parts: Measurement sessions and Scientific sessions.

June 9th (Mon)	Registration and welcome reception
June 10th – 13th	Measurement sessions at Boulder
June 13th	Observatory tour
June 14th (Sat)	Mountain tour and evening barbeque
June 15th (Sun)	Free Day with several possible tours
June 16th – 18th	Scientific Sessions
June 16th (Mon)	Banquet

Measurement Sessions

The measurement sessions for calibrating and comparing magnetic instruments will be held at Boulder Magnetic Observatory (BOU) which is about 60 kilometers north of the USGS offices and Colorado School of Mines. Boulder Observatory has four shaded, outdoor piers and one indoor pier for geomagnetic measurements. The observatory has an on-site coil facility and a limited number of piers available for the other measurements. Wireless networking and computers will be available at the observatory.

Scientific Sessions

The scientific sessions covering practical and scientific topics will be held in the Green Center at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM). The meeting room will have seating for 120 participants. A variety of projection equipment will be available ranging from overheads to computer projectors. Internet access will also be available. Space for poster presentations will be provided in the lobby outside of the meeting room.

The measurement sessions will be conducted at Boulder Magnetic Observatory, June 10 to 13. Comparative geomagnetic measurements will be possible with instruments brought by the participants. Instruments can include, DI-Fluxgate magnetometers, and total field magnetometers. If you have any special needs or requirements for an instrument, please let us know in advance of the workshop. There will also be training sessions organized for those seeking instruction in the use of the DI-Flux instrument. When registering, make sure to indicate if you want to attend the training session.

If you wish to set up an instrument for pre-workshop testing or longer term comparisons, please contact Ed Sauter, esauter@usgs.gov as he will be in charge of assisting with this. We have limited space so please contact Ed by May 1, 2008.

Geomagnetic instruments brought in as luggage should be free of custom charges, because they are scientific instruments which are considered “tools of the trade”. In an effort to prevent potential customs fees on your instruments, a letter of invitation can be provided, along with a description of your instrument and serial number. If you need a letter of invitation, please send us an e-mail at iaga2008@usgs.gov.

The scientific sessions will be held at the Colorado School of Mines June 16 to 18, 2008. Presentations can be oral or poster. Presentations on observatory practice and data applications are encouraged. The sessions will include the following topics:

Abstract Deadline:

April 14, 2008

Abstract Submission:

Abstracts will be submitted through an on-line service that will provide the formatting and other details, located here: Abstract Submission.

A pre-conference program will be published and provided with the registration packets upon arrival and will also be available on-line by late May 2008. The pre-conference program will contain a schedule of the scientific sessions as well as copies of all abstracts submitted by the abstract deadline. We are planning to publish the papers presented at the Workshop, as a post-conference proceedings volume. All papers should be written in English. The formatting requirements will be published at a later date.

Registration Deadline:

May 1, 2008

The registration fee covers most of the costs associated with the workshop. The fee includes lunch and refreshments each day, two Barbeques, the banquet and transportation to and from the Boulder Observatory. Participants will be responsible for covering the costs of their lodging, breakfast, some dinners and meals on free days.

Registration will be possible on-line. Payment can be made when registering and can be made by credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The registration link will be provided at a later date. Please check this web site periodically for updates.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of workshop registration can be done until June 1, 2008. However, a $200 fee will be deducted. Persons who cancel will still receive a Proceedings volume.

Accommodations for participants are possible at three locations – two hotels and CSM dorm rooms.

Hotels:

Participants must arrange for their lodging separately and contact the hotels directly to arrange for payment. Make sure to mention the IAGA Workshop or USGS as a group name to get the correct rate. Both hotels are within walking distance (less than 1 km) of the workshop.

CSM Dorms:

There are also 40 rooms available in the Colorado School of Mines dormitories ($38 per night, single occupancy, $34 double occupancy). These will be available by application/request to iaga2008@usgs.gov. These rooms will be granted on basis of need.

The USGS Geomagnetism Program offices are located on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines, in Golden, Colorado. Golden is located about 25 kilometers west of Denver, Colorado. Public transportation is available to Golden, Denver, and to Denver International Airport (DEN).

Currency

Legal currency in the United States is the dollar. Current exchange rates for several currencies are listed below:

*As of March 7, 2008

Due to the current flux in financial markets these exchange rates are likely to change. We will do our best to update the table monthly. Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses and restaurants. There are also several ATM’s and banks within walking distance of the workshop.

Visa Information

Anyone needing a visa to attend the workshop should apply at least 3-4 months in advance of the meeting and preferably as soon as possible. This is due to increased security policies in the U. S. For general information about visas there are several web sites with information.

The State Department has required citizens from VWP countries to obtain visas if they do not have machine-readable passports and they wish to visit the U.S. One-time exemptions are no longer available to VWP nationals who do not possess a machine-readable passport or a non-immigrant visa.

If you need a letter of invitation, please send us an e-mail at iaga2008@usgs.gov

Climate

The weather in June can be quite warm, day time temperatures can range from 20 to 35 degrees C, night time temperatures can range from 5 to 15 degrees C. The mornings can be quite sunny, but brief afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon. Golden is at an elevation of 5800 ft (1750 m) and is next to the Rocky Mountains, so the weather can get cool rather quickly. Due to the higher altitude and sun, sunscreen is recommended.

People attending the barbeques, which are scheduled in the evening, should dress appropriately.

The higher elevations of Golden and Boulder may also result in mild cases of altitude sickness. If you are not accustomed to higher elevations, take it easy and do not overexert yourself on the first day when you arrive in Colorado. It is also recommended that you engage in some light activity after that first day of taking it easy. Hydrating is the next key step. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches at altitude. Drink plenty of water. Four to six liters per day is recommended. If a headache occurs, take some acetaminophen or analgesics. Other things to avoid while at higher altitude would be alcohol, caffeine, sleeping pills and narcotic pain medication in more than modest doses.

Electric Power

Power in the United States is 120V at 60 Hz. In addition, the observatory has its own limited power supply of 12 and 24V DC. 240V at 60 Hz will also be available at the observatory.

For further information, please contact:

Alan Berarducci
U. S. Geological Survey
PO Box 25046 MS 966
Denver, CO 80225-0046
E-mail: IAGA2008@usgs.gov
Tel: 1-303-273-8484
Fax: 1-303-273-8506
http://geomag.usgs.gov/iagaxiii/circular

Local Organizing Committee

Alan Berarducci (Chair)
Jean Rasson (Special Advisor)
Tim White
Carol Finn
Jill Caldwell
Paul Hattori
Jeffrey J. Love
Ed Sauter
Duff Stewart
John B. “Jack” Townshend
Andy Woods
Bill Worthington