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The conference will be held in Rome, in the Via Volta facility of the University of Rome. The formal presentations will take place on Monday, the 15 and Tuesday the 16^th of April. Today, we realize that there was announced an eight hour general strike in Italy on Tuesday the 16th. Methods for adaptation will be discussed on Monday the 15^th of April.

For the out-of-town participants, I would suggest the hotel, Santa Prisca located in Largo Manlio Gelsomini 25, for your stay. It is very near the Piramide metro station and very close walking distance to the offices of the Dipartimento Aerospaziale located in Via Volta 41 A, where the meeting will be held. However, it is probably wise to book as soon as possible, as this is a very busy time in Rome. The contact information is Tel. +39 06 5741917 and Fax +39 06 5746658.

To reach the Via Volta facility, from the airport, take the train to the central rail terminal of Roma (Termini). From there take the Metro to the Piramid stop. On leaving the terminal, walk toward the pyramid monument. Passing to the right of the pyramid, one is on Via Marmorata. You will arrive shortly at Via Galvani. On the right, diagonally across the street, is the Hotel Santa Prisca. To reach the Via Volta facility, continue to walk one more block on Via Marmorata, to Via Volta. Turn left, and walk for three blocks. The Via Volta facility is 41 A, a large rose-colored elementary school on the right side of the street. On the left side of the entrance gate, ring the bell labeled "Dipartimento Aerospaziale". After having the gate opened, enter and turn to the left,after a few steps, enter the door, and then take the stairs on the right. On the second floor, indicated by the signs, is the "Dipartimento Aerospaziale". The receptionist will direct you to the meeting rooms.

There will be a conference registration fee of not more than 100 Euro.

For planning purposely please let us know if you will be able to attend this Workshop.

For any questions or problems, please contact Antonio Paolozzi at antonio.paolozzi@uniroma1.it , +39 06 445 85 301 (Office), +39 347 84 39 526 (Mobile) and/or Ignazio Ciufolini ciufoli@ifsi.rm.cnr.it, +39 06 702 5663, +39 388 612 9738 (Mobile).

The objective of the Workshop is to define an agreement on the optimal procedure for the analysis, prediction and measurement of the rotation of LAGEOS, LAGEOS II and similar satellites. In particular, we will concentrate on several areas and have invited the experts in these areas to address the topics and lead the discussions. The organization of the Workshop will consist of talks that outline the approaches and problems. We expect contributions by the audience, and eventually want to reach agreement on the optimal models, the work that is required to define the behavior of the spin axis, the programs of observation that are required to provide the input data, and the methods to integrate the results of the theory and observations into such programs as GEODYN and UTOPIA to provide the improvement in the geophysical output of the laser ranging programs. We will also define the individuals or organizations who will carry out the element of the above program. In particular, we are interested in:

2. Methods and models to predict the long-term future of a LAGEOS-like satellite. LAGEOS is already approaching the critical time when the rotation period that equals the orbital period. Different theoretical methods have been developed for different parameter regimes. In particular, we wish to address the very long-term (where we may have tidal or other types of locking) and the earlier intermediate domain. We will also address the critical times at which the methods of approximation may change.

 

3. Integration of current phenomenological models (that is, models that look at the observational data and define and adjust the parameters to provide an optimal fit to the real world) and the long-term models. Currently, the phenomenological models include more torques and parameters than the long-term models. Thus we wish to define the organizational procedures that will make use of the knowledge of the real world found in the phenomenological models and to connect smoothly with the long-term modeling and integration methods.

 

4. Observational data is critical for the development and correction of the models to agree with the real world. However, observation and analysis of slowly rotating satellites is very difficult. We wish to discuss plans for continuing observation and analysis programs, consider suggestions of optimal methods of analysis for slow rotators, and identify those individuals and groups planning a continuing program.

4. Accurate modeling of thermal thrust, based upon realistic models of the orientation of the spin axis and continuing observations. With this new accurate representation of thermal thrust and the integration of realistic models of the motion of the spin axis, we may modify GEODYN and/or UTOPIA to reflect the effects of these forces on the geophysical analyses. While these objectives are needed in general applying to both Rubincam Yarkowski and Solar Yarkowski, the latter, especially the handling of the eclipse effects seems most important, especially for the effects on the inclination and the eccentricity.

If you need an official invitation please contact Ciufolini at ciufoli@sunciufo.ifsi.rm.cnr.it.