THIRD INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON

"SOLAR POLARIZATION"

30^th September- 4^th October, 2002

Puerto de La Cruz, Tenerife, Spain

Organized by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias

Final Announcement

(September, 2002)

SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE

Solar magnetism and solar polarization are two interrelated topics, which are presently having an increasing impact in other astrophysical contexts (e.g. the IAC XII Winter School book on Astrophysical Spectropolarimetry, which has just been published by Cambridge University Press, 2002).

Solar magnetic fields are of fundamental importance to astrophysics as well as in controlling the heliosphere including near-earth space weather. Polarized light provides the most reliable source of information at our disposal for the remote sensing of astrophysical magnetic fields, including those on the Sun. The diagnosis of solar and stellar magnetic fields requires the measurement and rigorous physical interpretation of polarization signatures in spectral lines, which are induced by various physical effects taking place at the atomic level (e.g. the Zeeman effect, anisotropic pumping processes and the Hanle effect).

Over the last few years, since the last international "Solar Polarization" workshop took place in Bangalore (India), we have witnessed real progress in observational and theoretical spectropolarimetry, as well as in our ability to carry out numerical simulations of the generation and transfer of polarized radiation in magnetized stellar atmospheres. Increasingly important roles are being played by radiative magnetohydrodynamic simulations whose synthetic polarized light is needed to compare with spectropolarimetric observations. At the same time, novel polarimeters have been developed, while others are presently being designed for future ground-based and space-borne telescopes.

The third international workshop on "Solar Polarization" aims at providing a timely overview of the most recent and important developments in the field. It also aims at promoting discussions and collaborations among scientists working in different disciplines that have to be suitably combined to facilitate new advances in solar and stellar physics.

SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (SOC)

S. Bagnulo: ESO, Chile

V. Bommier: Obs. Paris, France

P. Judge: HAO, USA

C. Keller: NSO, USA

E. Landi Degl'Innocenti: Università di Firenze, Italy

K.N. Nagendra: IIA, Bangalore, India

J. Sánchez Almeida: IAC, Spain

S. Solanki: MPI, Germany

J. Stenflo (Co-Chair): ETH, Switzerland

J. Trujillo-Bueno (Chair): IAC, Spain
 
 

LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC)

J. Trujillo-Bueno (Chair), A. Asensio Ramos, M. Collados, V. Martínez Pillet, I. Rodríguez Hidalgo, B. Ruiz Cobo, J. Sánchez Almeida, Judith de Araoz, Tanja Karthaus, Eva Bejarano

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
The final Scientific Program can be seen here.
 

IMPORTANT DATES

PROCEEDINGS

The editors of the proceedings will be J Trujillo Bueno and J Sánchez Almeida.The proceedings of the Workshop will be published in the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series.The required style files can be found here. Deadline for submission December 10, 2002.Please fill out the "Consent to Publish" form (included in your conference folder) and hand it to us during the conference.We cannot publish a paper without this copyright form.

REGISTRATION FEE

The Conference Registration Fee is set at 225 Euros. The fee should be paid by credit card - only VISA or MASTER card are accepted - and will be charged a week before the conference or in cash at the Registration Desk upon arrival. (NO bank transfers or checks are acceptable). The conference fee includes a copy of the proceedings book, coffee-breaks, welcoming cocktail and visit to the Bodegas Monje (with informal dinner).
 

CONFERENCE VENUE AND FACILITIES

The sessions will take place at the modern Conference Centre of Cabildo Insular de Tenerife (Island's local authority), within easy walking distance from the hotel where participants will be accommodated. It is set within the Parque Taoro on one of the hills with a beautiful view of the centre of Puerto de la Cruz and its coasts. Apart from the Conference Centre, the park contains exotic plants and birds, and the well-known Casino Taoro. This conference centre has full facilities for conference users including:

• A large conference hall.
• A small computing centre with high-speed links. This will be provided by the IAC for the conference and will only be available during conference hours only.
• Ample poster area for poster exhibitions. Individual panels (1mx1m) will be provided.
• Slide, overhead and multimedia projectors, and computer display facilities.
• Morning and afternoon coffee-breaks will be held outside the conference centre in the open air. In the case of poor weather, there is enough space to move inside.
• Various coin-operated telephones outside the conference room.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Tuesday, 1^st

• Visit to Bodegas Monje, including an informal dinner (price for accompanying persons 20 Euros)

The landscape all around the winery is a delight to behold: vineyards, mountains, the sea and the sun. It is a perfect spot to live and nurture the wines. Built in 1956, the bodega was modernised in 1983 but still holds the original oak barrels where the traditional red wine is left to ferment and mature. Age-old practices go hand in hand with modern-day technology (http://www.bodegasmonje.com).
 

Wednesday, 2^nd

• Visit to Loro Parque (free admission, courtesy of the Loro Parque Foundation):

In Tenerife, at the foot of the majestic volcano Teide, Loro Parque is integrated into the beautiful valley of La Orotava, the "Must of Canary Islands", a place you undoubtedly should not miss to visit. In Loro Parque, with over 13 hectares, you can get in touch with the most exotic representatives of nature: penguins, dolphins, sea-lions, parrots, gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, sharks, coral reef, tropical fish, canarian fish, flamingos, alligators, tortoises, etc. All of them are ambassadors of their species. For each one of these animals a "home", reproducing to the very last detail their natural habitat, has been built (http://www.loroparque.com).
 
 

• Visit to THÉMIS and VTT telescopes at Teide Observatory (Free of charge)

• Hike in the forest above La Orotava (Free of charge)

Thursday, 3^rd

• Closing dinner at El Monasterio (price for participants and accompanying persons 30 Euros)

When you register you will be given a social events form. This form must be handed in on registration with your selected options clearly identified (events and menus). Interested participants and accompanying persons are requested to pay for these events at the Conference Desk.
 
 

HOTEL INFORMATION

Hotel bookings will be made through the LOC. We have a travel agent, who has negotiated a block booking at special rates for Hotel Puerto Palace, very close to the conference Centre in Puerto de La Cruz. For late registrations there is NO guarantee that there will be rooms available at this hotel at reduced prices. If you contact the hotel directly you will be quoted a higher rate. ALL PRICES ARE IN EUROS PER ROOM/PER DAY and include all local taxes, and it has been agreed that the hotel must charge no additional costs to your bill. Spanish hotels always include breakfast (restaurant service only) in the room rate. You will only need to make an additional payment for room service at the hotel, for extra meals or drinks and for telephone calls.

Offers a high standard of comfort and customer service and is our recommended hotel. Think in terms of a 5-10 minutes walk to and from the conference centre, through the grounds of the Taoro Park. This hotel provides 8000 m² of tropical gardens, four pools, two Jacuzzis, two bars, restaurant, tennis court, and various sports.

We have negotiated a special rate for Half Board (HB) for those of you who wish to take advantage of this. You are, of course, at liberty to make your own arrangements or to pay Bed & Breakfast only. However, we would point out that the difference between BB and HB is minimal, and that it is worthwhile to opt for the latter.

Address: Hotel Puerto Palace, C/ Doctor Cobiella Zaera, E-38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain (Phone: +34 922-372460)
 
 

Booking the Hotel:

You may also wish to make your own accommodation arrangements. In any case, please fill in the Hotel Reservation Form provided at the end of this file and SEND IT DIRECTLY TO THE LOC, specifying the name of the participant you wish to share with (if applicable) before September 6^th. After this deadline we cannot guarantee the booking of your choice.
 
 

Cancellations:

TRAVEL INFORMATION

The Canary Islands are rather remote from continental Europe; however their connections by air is extremely good. Tenerife is regularly connected to 16 foreign airports and there are connections to the major Spanish cities several times a day, as well as direct charter flights to more than 112 foreign cities! The flight time from Madrid to Tenerife is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Tenerife has two airports, one in the north, Tenerife Norte (TFN), also known as Los Rodeos, and the other in the south, Tenerife Sur (TFS), known also as Reina Sofia. The airport code to search for connections to both airports is TCI. We recommend using the North Airport if at all possible, as this is much closer to the conference venue.
 
 

Given the abundant number of charter flights to Tenerife from all over Europe, connections through any other major European airport can be considered.

TFN is only connected to Spanish cities by scheduled flight, although there are now some regular charters to Germany, Austria and Switzerland, whereas TFS is a national as well as an international airport. Both have good connections for ground transportation. Please consult our Web pages for maps of the island. TFN is more convenient as it is very close to Puerto de La Cruz, and for flights from Madrid it has more frequent connections. In case of difficulty with a direct flight you may consider flying to Las Palmas (on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria) and crossing to Tenerife North on the frequent Air Shuttle (a 20 minute hop).

Puerto de La Cruz lies 30 km from TFN and 90 km from TFS with a motorway link covering the full journey to both airports.

Online information about flights arriving at or departing from Madrid, Barcelona and TFS airports can be obtained at:

There is a very good bus service (here buses are called guaguas). These buses operated by the company TITSA (green buses) run frequently and cheaply. They are quite comfortable and most of them are air-conditioned. Taxis are inexpensive compared to European standards. Renting a car may also be an alternative, since car rentals in

Tenerife are rather cheap (210,34 Euros - 240,40 Euros a week for a small car). An both airports, Cicar and Autos Reisen generally offer the best rates.
 
 

If you are arriving at Tenerife South Airport (TFS) Reina Sofia

You can either take a taxi (about 60,10 Euros), or a bus. Bus services are as follows:

• TFS to Puerto de La Cruz direct Service (line 340). Departure times: 09:45, 14:00, 20:00 and 23:30h. Price of one way ticket is about 7,20 Euros.
• TFS to the Santa Cruz bus terminal (line 341). Departure time: 06:50, 07:50, 08:50, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:10, 13:10, 14:10, 14:50, 15:50, 16:50, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:10, 21:10, 22:10, 22:50 and 01:30h. Price of one way ticket is about 4,60 Euros.
• Once at the Santa Cruz bus terminal take the bus to Puerto de La Cruz (line 102). Departure times: every 30 minutes until 20:30h. Additionally 21:15, 22:30 and 24:00h. Price of one way ticket is about 3,20 Euros.

If you arrive at Tenerife North Airport (TFN) Los Rodeos

• TFN to Puerto de La Cruz (line 102). Departure times: every 30 minutes until 20:30h. Additionally 21:15, 22:30 and 24:00h. Price of one way ticket is about 3,20 Euros.

NOTE: There is a (steep uphill) walk from the bus terminal in Puerto de La Cruz to the Hotel. For this reason we recommend a taxi which will cost about 5 Euros.
 
 

Changing Money

If you need to change foreign currency upon arrival, there are a large number of ATM or cash dispensers for a variety of cards (VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, AMEX, etc.) for instant cash. These can be found in many places in Puerto de la Cruz and also at both airports. There is a small charge involved (approx. 4%).

There is a bank in the international arrivals lounge at the TFS, but this only operates from Monday to Friday from 08:30h to 13:30; an exchange desk is available typically from 07:00h to 24:00h. Currency exchange facilities are also available at TFN. A Bank kiosk opens from Monday to Friday from 08:30h to 13:30h, and an exchange desk is available from 10:00h to 14:00h and from 18:00h to 22:00h. Nevertheless, if you have the chance to exchange money at Madrid airport where the service is permanently available in the international departure areas, we advise you do so because of the restricted bank opening hours at both Tenerife airports. Many banks are available in Puerto de La Cruz, and open Monday to Friday from 09:00h to 13:00h.
 
 

TENERIFE

The Canarian Archipelago is made up of seven volcanic islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro) located in a privileged part of the Atlantic. Just over 300 km from the coast of Africa, Tenerife is the largest island in the Archipielago and has the most impressive orography.

Tenerife is an ideal island for a full and different holiday at any time of the year and has first-quality hotels and outdoor facilities, which make it a prime tourist destination in Europe. Its wonderful climate and exuberant natural wonders, including its landscapes so full of contrasts, together with the kindness and hospitality of its people make it yet more attractive to the visitor. The climate in Puerto de la Cruz is mild during September-October and is often suitable for bathing, with temperatures usually in the range 20-25º C during the day and 16-18º C at night.

Modern and cosmopolitan, and at the same time steeped in its traditions, Tenerife is a paradise for those seeking amusement, sport, light and nature, or simply relaxation and peace. An island, and at the same time, a world in itself, there is always more to see and learn about in Tenerife which never ceases to surprise and always beckons us to return.

The Island?s dramatic orography (Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain, reaches a height of 3718 metres) and the north-easterly trade winds provide Tenerife with a variety of microclimates which are among its many attractions, with landscapes ranging from desert to rainforest and volcanic badlands to rolling green hillsides.
 
 

PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Puerto de la Cruz is on the northern coast of the Island of Tenerife. It is a seaside resort, about 42 km from the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The town is the main tourist centre of the north of the island, catering for "quality tourism". The climate on the coast is mild and international nature of the town make it a popular place for foreigners to settle and many people come to the area to retire. This gives Puerto de la Cruz a very international atmosphere with a very active nightlife.

Restaurants can be found that cater for many types of international cuisine and it is easy to find places with their menus in many foreign languages apart from the ubiquitous Spanish, English and German; these include Swedish, Finnish, Danish, French, Dutch, Russian and Italian. A list recommended of restaurants will be provided in your conference folder.

There are facilities of all kinds in the town for visitors and their families, including a small port (used by private vessels). As in most of Tenerife, sandy beaches are in short supply (the islands are too young to have much natural sand), but there are a large complex of chlorinated and salt-water pools for swimming, the famous Lago Martiánez and a small beach of black, volcanic sand within the town itself.

Attractions include Loro Parque, a fascinating centre that combines a park, a zoo, a large bird collection and some spectacular aquarium; the XVIII century Botanic Garden; and the sea-front area. Close to Puerto is La Orotava with its special architecture and famous old Canarian-style houses. Especially recommended are sites like La Casa de los Balcones (the house with balconies) and the local handicrafts, whether in the form of textile products, ceramic, or local cakes and sweetmeats.

The town is connected to the two main airports by motorways. The easiest access is from the North Airport (TFN, or Los Rodeos) along the TF-5 motorway. This is an approximately 20 minute journey along the coast. The South Airport (TFS, or Reina Sofia) is more than an hour away along the TF-1 and then TF-5 motorways. Puerto de la Cruz has very good bus connections with the rest of the island and fares are generally very cheap.
 
 

HEALTH

There are two very good private clinics in Puerto de La Cruz: Hospiten Bellevue (phone: 922-383551) and Hospiten Tamaragua (phone: 922-380512).

There are also two large hospitals in Tenerife, the General Hospital (Hospital Universitario de Canarias) (phone: 922-678000), which is under the control of the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife; and the Residence of the National Health Service (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria) (phone: 922-602114). Both are amply equipped with the most sophisticated medical facilities.

There are also Red Cross centres and emergency telephones at regular intervals along the main motorways and roads of the island. For any kind of emergency, dial 112 directly.