Space Weather refers to conditions on the Sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems, and can endanger human life or health. Space Weather storms could have the following consequence:
-Disruption of HF radio and trans-ionospheric communication systems
-Errors in positioning obtained from the Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS)
-Induction of geo-magnetically induced currents on the power grid, which could lead to transformer failures and power blackouts.
Thus the purpose of the GNSS AND SPACE WEATHER workshop was to create awareness of the threats of Space Weather and opportunities provided by the SCINDA network among stakeholder institutions and also space weather equipment hosts and train them on techniques for data analysis and interpretation for space weather monitoring and as African scientists have an opportunity to characterize ionospheric behavior over Africa.
MODE OF PRESENTATION DURING THE WORKSHOP
-Selected presenters each within 30, 45 or 60 minutes were required to present on specific topic and 10 minutes were set aside for questions/comments about the presentation.
-Topics that required Laboratory skills required visiting the Prepared Laboratories and gained / practiced the skills obtained during the presentation sessions.
AWARDS TO PARTICIPANTS
Each participant attending GNSS and Space Weather workshop was awarded
-A Certificate of Attendance
-DVD with all Presentations presented during the workshop
CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATION FOR YES-TANZANIA
-YES-TANZANIA as a network for networking young scientists in Tanzania should encourage more young scientists for our country, Tanzania to apply for/participate in many conferences/workshops to raise the number of Tanzanians who participate in international conferences.
-All members of YES-Tanzania representing/participating in International workshops should provide feedback/materials that may be uploaded in the web for updating YES website. If possible, these representatives should deliver speech/presentation to share skills obtained from workshops they have attended.
-YES-Tanzania should post more links regarding to scientific conferences/workshops for its members and other Tanzanians who wish to use the YES website for reference or obtain information
LINKS FOR GNSS- AFRICA NETWORK
I call upon any member of YES-Tanzania interested in Space and weather issues to register through the following link http://gnss-africa.ning.com for frequent updates on upcoming African or International GNSS and Space Weather information including workshops/conferences.
Prepared by
NAME: DEODATUS KIRIBA
ORG: ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA
E-MAIL: sidekimasha (at yahoo).com
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