Insight into the Ignorosphere: Inaugural lecture by Prof. Baumgarten

Kühlungsborn, 10.01.2025 - Yesterday, Prof. Gerd Baumgarten gave his inaugural lecture entitled “Insight into the Ignorosphere: Growing Challenges at the Edge of Space” at the University of Rostock. The lecture offered exciting insights into research in the upper atmosphere.

Prof. Baumgarten explained the importance of atmospheric dynamics at an altitude of around 100 km, a region that transports energy and momentum through the entire atmosphere. He particularly highlighted the innovative development of Doppler lidars, which make it possible to measure temperatures and wind up to altitudes of 80 km.

One focus of his lecture was the so-called “ignorosphere” - the largely unexplored altitude range between 50 and 200 km. Prof. Baumgarten explained how this observational gap makes it difficult to understand and model physical processes in this area and how optical remote sensing techniques help to reduce this gap. 

The lecture was rounded off with explanations of new problems arising from the industrial use of near-Earth space and the increasing pollution of the upper atmosphere. Prof. Baumgarten pointed out the importance of targeted research to accompany these developments and understand the impact they have on the atmosphere.

The event highlighted the key role of atmospheric research in understanding our environment and shaping the sustainable use of space.