19:00–19:05 Introduction
19:05–19:20 G Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award Lecture by Matthias Schartner
19:20–19:25 Laudation for René Forsberg by Jürgen Müller
19:25-19:55 Vening Meinesz Medal Lecture by René Forsberg
19:55–20:00 Q&A
Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is a truly global scientific effort that demands rigorous coordination among a network of telescopes distributed worldwide. Central to this collaboration is the generation and distribution of a synchronized observation plan, a task typically called scheduling. Given a network of telescopes, a catalog of celestial sources, and a constrained time window, the goal of scheduling is to find an optimal sequence of observations to achieve the best possible scientific outcomes.
The complexity of this task arises from the virtually infinite number of potential schedules, making it practically impossible to find the most perfect solution. Instead, the objective is to generate a schedule that balances quality with practical constraints. Additionally, numerous optimization criteria must be considered, such as maximizing the number of observations for increased redundancy, ensuring a well-distributed coverage in azimuth and elevation angles to mitigate atmospheric effects, and achieving a balanced distribution of observations across the network and sources to enhance the parameter estimation process. Unfortunately, many of these criteria are in direct conflict with each other, further complicating the optimization process.
However, the importance of optimized scheduling cannot be overstated, as it directly determines the data available for analysis and, consequently, the quality of the scientific results. In recent years, significant progress has been made in VLBI scheduling algorithms. State-of-the-art practices involve generating hundreds of potential schedules for each experiment and using simulations to evaluate and select the optimal one. Nowadays, developing advanced scheduling algorithms requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing the creation of logical observation sequences, the generation of high-quality simulations, and the application of cutting-edge analysis and parameter estimation techniques. Additionally, new observing scenarios emerging from upcoming satellite missions, e.g. Genesis, combined with the more interdisciplinary application of VLBI resources, are fundamentally changing scheduling optimization objectives.
In this lecture, I will give a brief introduction to VLBI scheduling, highlighting its unique and exciting challenges. I will discuss recent advancements in scheduling algorithms and their impact on VLBI science. Furthermore, I will provide insights into future challenges and opportunities.
How to cite: Schartner, M.: The art of VLBI scheduling, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6899, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6899, 2025.
Gravity measurements and geoid determination is a fundamental pillar of geodesy, and despite of roots going back more than two centuries, it is still a very active research field, with satellite and airborne data collection finally making global detailed gravity field coverage and thus a few-cm accuracy geoid within reach, a holy grail of geodesy for decades. Recent years have seen major efforts to cover the most inaccessible areas of the planet with gravity, especially the polar and mountainous areas, thanks to the development of airborne gravity sensors and long-range data campaigns. Parallel with this, climate applications of gravity measurements, both in space and in situ, have made gravity field change measurements more relevant than ever, especially for understanding global sea level rise and the melting of the large icesheets. Ongoing R&D in developing quantum methods for both in-situ, kinematic and space applications further points to new directions and applications for geodetic, geophysical and environmental applications of gravity field data, securing gravity field science key developments in the years to come. The Vening-Meinesz talk will address many recent developments in the above fields, and highlights the new opportunities for the next generation of geodesists.
How to cite: Forsberg, R.: Gravity, Climate and Quantum, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-14370, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-14370, 2025.
