Absolute gravimeters are sophisticated instruments which enable the measurement of local and instantaneous gravity. They are used in metrology to calibrate pressure sensors or to redefine the kilogram in terms of Energy. In geophysics, gravity measurements are used to monitor the motion of magma underneath volcanoes, the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, tectonic deformations during an earthquake, etc.
There are currently some 50 of these instruments worldwide and to ensure they are operating properly, they must be regularly compared to each other. Due to its recognised expertise and the quality of its infrastructures, the Geophysics Laboratory of the University of Luxembourg was selected by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures to hold an event every two-year.
This year, the comparison is organised by the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) and the Geophysics Laboratory of the University of Luxembourg in the new Halle d'essais on Belval Campus. This building perfectly complies with the power and space requirements to accommodate up to 10 gravimeters operating simultaneously. Previously, the comparison used to take place in the Walferdange Underground Laboratory of Geodynamics.
The official opening of this event will occur on Wednesday 4 November at 14.30 with the participation of Paul Heuschling, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication, Philippe Kadok, project officer at the Bureau Luxembourgeois de Métrologie and Olivier Francis, Professor in Geophysics at the University of Luxembourg.
For more info, please download the full programme.
