The Case for Atmospheric Physics & Space Exploration in Nigeria

Abstract. Capability in basic space science is an essential component for economic development in the 21st century. Yet, African countries in particular are completely passive to the development of basic space science. This article examines the problems facing the development of space science in Nigeria and presents arguments for why a nation such as Nigeria should invest in research on basic space science.

Sommaire. La compétence en science spatiale fondamentale est un composant essentiel du développement économique au 21^ième siècle. Cependant les pays africains, en particulier, sont complètement passifs envers le développement des sciences spatiales fondamentales. Cet article examine les problèmes auxquels le développement des sciences spatiales se heurte au Nigéria, et présente les raisons pour lesquelles une nation telle le Nigéria devrait investir dans la recherche spatiale.

Introduction

Atmospheric physics and space exploration are part of basic space science, which also includes astronomy. The basic feature of all space science is that the sky is the laboratory where physical laws and theories are applied, tested and refined for a wide range of physical conditions which can be unattainable on earth. In basic space science, we are interested in studying our environment at the largest possible scale. This may lead to the discovery of new physical laws and stimulate the development of new technologies.

The techniques employed in the study of atmospheric physics and space exploration are common in all branches of basic space science, especially astronomy (which is the mother of all sciences). These include: ground-based optical and radio telescopes, space telescopes, remote sensing from ground and space, communication satellites, measurements from balloons and satellite platforms, phased-radar techniques and modern infrared detectors.

Space science in general, and astronomy in particular, is now widely seen as a major growth point in basic physical science and therefore plays an indispensable role in the development of science throughout the world.

It is known from studies in advanced countries that contact with space science at an early age excites young minds and acts as a catalyst in encouraging students to follow careers in science and technology. Space science can be used to teach physical principles at all levels, providing young graduates with exciting applications of physical principles and training at postgraduate levels where projects of real scientific value are coupled with the development of a wide range of scientific and engineering skills.

Why should a nation like Nigeria invest in
research in atmospheric physics and space exploration?

Initially, people study astronomy because of its fascination and challenges. Even today any creative person should be anxious to understand the universe and our role in it.

Apart from this, we note that throughout history observations of the sky have led to the discoveries that have had major impact on people. Observations of motion of planets have led to the understanding of gravity and forces governing motion. Other examples of discoveries which resulted from research in atmospheric physics and space exploration includes the discovery of cosmic radio waves, satellite communication, modern receivers and detectors.

Space science helps tremendously in raising the general level of scientific awareness of people and draws young minds towards careers in physical sciences and associated areas of technology. Countries that see science as an essential part of their future wealth and well-being, participate actively in the development of space science. Any modern observatory requires not only space scientists but skilled engineers and technicians in electronics, optics, mechanics, computers and software in order to function. It requires advanced industrial capabilities and precision engineering to set up telescopes for ground-based observations as well as for satellite observations. Industrial capabilities acquired through the fabrication of equipment used by space scientists could prove invaluable to companies developing hi-tech products.

Space technology provides mankind with the potential tools for economic development and extends man's cultural horizon. The technologies associated with space science and nuclear science determine the economic and military power of nation. Any country without these potentials is classified as underdeveloped. Development does not mean the ability to purchase ready-made products of space technology such as satellites, cellular phones, fax machines and aeroplanes. Development is the unfolding of peoples' imaginations and liberation to begin to assert authority and self-reliance in carrying out human activities. There is currently real danger that a few countries monopolize the development of space technology. This has led to a continued inequality and widening of the huge technological gap between advanced countries and underdeveloped countries. South Africa, India, China, Indonesia, Brazil and others have been making frantic efforts to join the space club. This has resulted recently in the attainment of a high level of technological development in these countries. On the other hand, African countries in particular are completely passive to the development of basic space science. This no doubt is responsible for our poor level of technological development.

Basic space science has been linked to the development of radio and satellite communication, television, telex, faxes, telephone, electronic mail, accurate weather forecasts, aeroplanes, remote-sensing techniques and many others. The launching in 1957 by the U.S.S.R. of the first artificial man-made satellite (the Sputnik), started a major revolution in space science. Being able to place a man or satellite at such a great height from the earth opened up a chain of new technologies. A platform in space can be used either for looking outwards or downwards to earth. The first has revolutionalized research in astronomy. The second pertains to such areas as geophysics, atmospheric physics, space communication, earth resource survey, meteorology, navigation, education, commerce, national security, etc.

Efforts to explain with our present laws of physics the physical behaviour of several astrophysical objects such as pulsars, neutron stars, binary stars, black holes, quasars and others, have not been fully successful. This makes one think that new physical laws are yet to be discovered with the aid of space investigations. The huge cosmic ray energies of up to ~1020 eV cannot be produced in man-made laboratories on earth, and will not be in the foreseeable future.Presently we can probably attain ~109 eV. The end of the twentieth century has seen major developments in space research throughout the world. Currently, with the development of astronomy from space (in gamma-rays, x-rays, UV, visible, infrared, and in sub-mm regions) there are large-scale building programs for large ground-based telescopes.

We can thus say that among the many discoveries of tomorrow, perhaps new forms of energy or something revolutionary will undoubtedly emanate from the current intensive research in basic space science. Space science is therefore a huge investment in our future.

Some contributions of atmospheric physics & space exploration

Modern space science contributes to areas of more immediate practicality: training in industry, medicine, defense and computers.

A. Training

Our economy depends on our ability to compete technologically with other nations. Because of its broad appeal, space science (especially astronomy) is often the science that initially arouses the scientific interest of people who eventually specialize in other technical disciplines. Seventy percent of American universities currently offer degrees in astronomy. Forty percent of students who attain higher degrees in astronomy eventually take jobs in industry.

B. Industry

1. The corporation, Milltech, whose founders are radio astronomers, currently build the millimeter components largely used for the communications industry.
2. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the United States has improved now-noise receivers, some of which have given rise to commercial products.
3. computer programs used to control telescopes, and to make maps from interferometers have found wide application in industry.
4. Efforts to produce ever better emulsions for astronomical purposes led to the discovery of gold sensitization by Kodak.
5. The infrared emulsions developed for astronomers have proved useful in aerial reconnaissance and more recently in remote-sensing of the earth's surface.

C. Medicine

Space science and medicine share the problem of imaging the inaccessible. Some of the image-reconstruction techniques of radio astronomy are now used in medicine including CAT scans, magnetic-resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography.

D. Defense

Advanced countries employ persons with degrees in astronomy for scientific defense work. Progress in military technology, from World War II radar technology to present-day infrared detectors, is coupled to a nation's astronomical capabilities.

E. Computers

Computers play an indispensable role in both theoretical and observational astronomy. Powerful and sophisticated computer programs are an indispensable tool for acquiring and analyzing radiation from violent, complicated astrophysical environments. Computers are used for controlling the operation of telescopes, acquisition of data, and analysis. Software engineering has become as important as mechanical, optical and electronic engineering in astronomy. High-performance computing has become necessary to make full use of many space observations.

Problems facing space science in Nigeria

A number of problems have contributed to the very slow pace in the growth of basic space science in Nigeria. One of the major problems is the lack of recognition of the importance of space science by policy makers. The perception is that space science is not only unaffordable, but that it also has no immediate value. It is, however, obvious that economic development based on the application of technologies imported from industrialized countries without any attention to science and research has been the bane of most underdeveloped nations.

Another serious problem militating against the development of space science in Nigeria is the absence of reliable communications systems e.g. telephones, fax machines and electronic mail in Nigerian Universities. The use of computers in scientific research is yet to become popular.

Furthermore, the non-existence of a science culture in Nigeria is another major setback in the development of space research in Nigeria. There is a need to establish a space research center to co-ordinate current efforts in our universities and to popularize science in the country.