Methodological approach for fast high-resolution image selection: FAHRIS algorithm.

Recent research highlights advancements in collecting Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) data using radiosondes on stratospheric balloons, revealing a need for enhanced in-flight image stabilization. This paper proposes a twofold approach: Firstly, it introduces a design concept for a high-resolution image acquisition and stabilization system for aerial instruments (e.g.

Verification of Angular Response of Sky Quality Meter with Quasi-Punctual Light Sources.

Sky Quality Meter (SQM) is a commercial instrument based on photometers widely used by amateur astronomers for skyglow measurement from the ground. In the framework of the MINLU project, two SQM-LE units were integrated in an autonomous sensor suite realized and tested at University of Padova for monitoring light pollution from drones or sounding balloons. During the ground tests campaign before airborne measurement, the performance of both SQM units was verified in laboratory using controlled light sources as a reference input; the results showed that both units presented an angular response deviating consistently from the expected performance and that the sensors' field of view was larger than the one declared in the manufacturer's datasheet.

Calibration of an Autonomous Instrument for Monitoring Light Pollution from Drones.

The paper presents the calibration activity on the imaging system of the MINLU instrument, an autonomous sensor suite designed for monitoring light pollution using commercial off-the-shelf components. The system is extremely compact and with an overall mass below 3 kg can be easily installed as a payload for drones or sounding balloons. Drones and air balloons can in fact play an important role in completing upward light emission measurement from satellites allowing an increased spatial and time resolution from convenient altitudes and positions.

A dynamic upper atmosphere of Venus as revealed by VIRTIS on Venus Express.

The upper atmosphere of a planet is a transition region in which energy is transferred between the deeper atmosphere and outer space. Molecular emissions from the upper atmosphere (90-120 km altitude) of Venus can be used to investigate the energetics and to trace the circulation of this hitherto little-studied region. Previous spacecraft and ground-based observations of infrared emission from CO2, O2 and NO have established that photochemical and dynamic activity controls the structure of the upper atmosphere of Venus.

South-polar features on Venus similar to those near the north pole.

Venus has no seasons, slow rotation and a very massive atmosphere, which is mainly carbon dioxide with clouds primarily of sulphuric acid droplets. Infrared observations by previous missions to Venus revealed a bright 'dipole' feature surrounded by a cold 'collar' at its north pole. The polar dipole is a 'double-eye' feature at the centre of a vast vortex that rotates around the pole, and is possibly associated with rapid downwelling.