This instrument has a fish-eye lens and a filter wheel that allows it to observe different airglow emissions.
These observations allow for the observation atmospheric gravity waves and their properties. These waves are generated by a variety of sources (e.g. wind flow over mountains, storms) and drive atmospheric circulation patterns. They transport energy and momentum from lower to higher altitudes, depositing it as they break (like ocean waves on a beach).
The Antarctic Peninsula is located under a wintertime gravity wave “hotspot”, making Rothera Research Station an important place to observe these waves. An instrument of this type has been at Rothera since 2002.
