J - L
LARC
LARC is an acronym, which stands for Laboratorio Antartico de Radiacion Cosmica (Antarctic Laboratory for Cosmic Rays). LARC project started about ten years ago as a uniquely Chilean project, but approximately five years ago the cosmic-ray section of IFSI/CNR was called to collaborate with the Chilean researchers both for experimental and theoretical works. A detailed Proposal entitled Cosmic Rays in Antarctica was submitted to the Italian Antarctic Research Program (PNRA/MURST, 1992-96) and it was approved. The Italian counterpart joined the project in November 1993 through the signature of a formal agreement (convention) between the Chilean Laboratory for Cosmic Rays (University of Chile - Santiago) and the Italian Project Cosmic Rays in the Heliosphere (IFSI/CNR - Rome). Immediately, the agreement was submitted to the INACH (Instituto Antartico Chileno) and to the PNRA. The Italy/Chile collaboration is made in the frame of the International Decade for Scientific Cupertino in Antarctica (1991-2000). The main objective for the LARC project is the study of the cosmic-ray radiation in the high-latitude southern Latin-American sector, which is not covered by the worldwide network of cosmic-ray detectors. A standard super neutron monitor (6-NM-64 type - IQSY detector) is operating on King George Island (South Shetland Island - Fildes Bay - Ardley Cove) since January 19, 1991. The place is the seat of the E. Frei Base and the Tte. Marsh airport with Las Estrellas Village and a Meteorological Center.