How Telescope Noise Could Help Us Monitor Climate Change – Universe Today

Innovative Astronomical Method for Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Aligns with SDG 13

Introduction to the Astroclimes Initiative

A new methodology, named Astroclimes, is being developed to leverage atmospheric interference in astronomical observations for environmental monitoring. Researchers from the University of Warwick, in collaboration with Spanish institutions, are repurposing the atmospheric “noise,” known as telluric contamination, that affects ground-based telescopes. This innovative approach aims to measure concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs), directly contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing our capacity to monitor climate change drivers.

The method utilizes the spectroscopic fingerprints of molecules within Earth’s atmosphere, which are typically filtered out by astronomers. By analyzing these telluric lines, Astroclimes can quantify atmospheric levels of critical GHGs, including methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. This provides a novel, ground-based tool for climate science.

Addressing Gaps in Climate Data

Current GHG monitoring systems, such as the COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network (COCCON), primarily rely on solar spectra and are therefore limited to daytime measurements. The Astroclimes project is designed to fill this critical data gap.

• It utilizes starlight for its measurements, enabling the collection of GHG data throughout the night.
• This creates the potential for continuous, 24-hour monitoring of the carbon cycle when combined with existing daytime networks.
• Enhanced monitoring is fundamental to SDG Target 13.3, which calls for improved capacity for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and impact reduction.

Marcelo Aron Fetzner Keniger, the project’s lead researcher, stated, “Monitoring the abundance of GHGs is necessary to quantify their impact on global warming and climate change… Astroclimes can hopefully fill the gap with nighttime measurements.”

Strategic Partnerships and Implementation for Climate Action (SDG 17 & SDG 13)

Collaborative Observing Campaign

A test campaign in July demonstrated the project’s commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The collaboration brought together key academic and governmental bodies to validate the Astroclimes method. The primary partners include:

• The University of Warwick (UK)
• Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory (CAHA) (Spain)
• The University of Almería (UAL) (Spain)
• The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET)

The campaign used the CARMENES instrument on the 3.5-meter telescope at CAHA for nighttime observations, while a portable spectrometer from the COCCON-Spain network provided daytime data for calibration. The goal is to create a new, complementary network for GHG measurements.

The COCCON-Spain Network

The Astroclimes initiative integrates with the broader COCCON-Spain national network, a strategic project designed to address the lack of comprehensive atmospheric GHG observations in Spain. This network directly supports SDG Target 13.2, which encourages the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning.

1. Objective: To establish a national network of 12 stations to measure GHG concentrations.
2. Scope: The network will monitor both background GHG levels and concentrations near major urban and industrial emission zones, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
3. Goal: To improve knowledge of GHG sources and sinks, thereby supporting the development of national climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Integrating Sustainable Practices at the Observatory Level (SDG 7 & SDG 9)

Calar Alto Observatory’s Transition to a Low-Carbon Energy Island

In a powerful demonstration of institutional commitment to sustainability, the Calar Alto Observatory is transforming its own infrastructure to align with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Historically reliant on diesel fuel, which generated over 100 tons of CO2 annually, the observatory is implementing a major energy transition.

• Installation of a photovoltaic plant for clean electricity generation.
• Implementation of a biomass boiler to replace diesel for heating.
• This initiative is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 160 tons per year.

A Model for Sustainable Scientific Infrastructure

This energy project positions Calar Alto as a leader in sustainable operations for scientific facilities. Jesús Aceituno, director of the observatory, noted, “By implementing the Calar Alto energy island, we pretend to be a world reference for other professional observatories as a management model that helps the environment.”

The observatory’s dual role—advancing climate monitoring through projects like Astroclimes while simultaneously achieving energy sustainability—creates a powerful synergy. It demonstrates that the infrastructure of science can not only contribute to understanding global challenges but can also be a part of the solution, embodying the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. Specific SDG Targets Identified

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
    
    The article highlights this target through the actions of the Calar Alto Observatory. It states the observatory is “turning itself into a low-carbon energy island with the addition of solar panels and a biomass boiler to replace diesel fuel.” This is a direct effort to increase the use of renewable energy and move away from fossil fuels.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…encouraging innovation.
    
    This target is addressed by the core subject of the article: the development of “Astroclimes,” a new method to measure greenhouse gases. The article describes it as a novel approach developed by a PhD student and researchers to “use that noise [telluric contamination] to measure greenhouse gases (GHGs) in Earth’s atmosphere,” which represents a significant scientific innovation.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
    
    The article describes the COCCON-Spain network’s objective “to improve current knowledge of GHG sources and sinks, thus contributing to the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change.” This data-gathering initiative is a foundational step for creating informed national strategies.
  • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
    
    The development and implementation of the Astroclimes method and the COCCON-Spain network directly enhance institutional capacity for monitoring climate change factors. The article states, “Monitoring the abundance of GHGs is necessary to quantify their impact on global warming and climate change,” which is a key component of building capacity for mitigation.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.
    
    The project is a clear example of international scientific cooperation. The article details that “Researchers at the University of Warwick in the UK, in partnership with Spanish institutions,” including the Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory, the University of Almería, and the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), are collaborating on this technological innovation.
  • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.
    
    The collaboration described involves multiple stakeholders—academia (University of Warwick, University of Almería), a government agency (AEMET), and a scientific facility (Calar Alto Observatory)—all sharing knowledge and technology (Astroclimes, CARMENES, EM27/SUN) to achieve a common sustainable development goal.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Indicator: Reduction in CO2 emissions.
    
    The article provides a quantifiable indicator for the observatory’s energy transition, stating there will be an “estimated reduction of a hundred and sixty tons of carbon dioxide per year.”
  • Indicator: Installation of renewable energy capacity.
    
    The implementation of a “photovoltaic plant and biomass boiler” serves as a direct indicator of increasing the share of renewable energy.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Indicator: Development of new technologies.
    
    The creation of the “Astroclimes” algorithm itself is an indicator of progress in scientific research and innovation aimed at solving environmental challenges.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Indicator: Measurement of greenhouse gas concentrations.
    
    The article explicitly mentions that the Astroclimes method “can measure molecules like methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapour in our planet’s atmosphere.” The data from these measurements is a direct indicator of atmospheric GHG levels.
  • Indicator: Number of GHG observation stations.
    
    The article implies this indicator by stating that the COCCON-Spain network will initially “consist of 12 stations that measure background GHG concentrations.” The expansion of this network is a measurable sign of improved monitoring capacity.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Indicator: Number of multi-stakeholder and international partnerships.
    
    The article details a specific partnership between UK (University of Warwick) and Spanish (CAHA, University of Almería, AEMET) institutions, serving as a qualitative and quantitative indicator of collaboration.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: universetoday.com