GI Press Releases
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has renamed a 46-acre research site in honor of its visionary and developer, Jack Townshend. The Jack Townshend College International Geophysical Observatory is a network of eight state-of-the-art facilities that collect geomagnetic, seismic and geophysical data to support research at the Geophysical Institute, the International Arctic Research Center, the U.S. Geological Survey, as well as other national and international organizations. The site is situated northwest of Smith Lake behind the UAF campus. 
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Researchers can chalk up another accomplishment for the University of Alaska’s Unmanned Aircraft Program. Based on the seal-observing performance of the program’s 40-pound ScanEagles, researchers have learned the aircraft can operate in snow and light icing conditions. This feat enhances the viability of the technology, which has proven useful flying through smoke and fog during previous scientific flights.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska— Forty-two teachers from across the state have traveled to Fairbanks to learn how Geophysical Institute research can be used in their K-12 classrooms. The teachers are participating in STEP, the institute’s Science Teacher Education Program that runs June 8-19, 2009.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—It’s been a long wait, but it was worth it. The Black Brant XII sounding rocket with the CASCADES II experiment launched and flew through an active aurora display March 20 at 3:04 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time. The successful launch occurred after 20 nights of preparing and then waiting to launch the NASA rocket. The CASCADES II team needed very specific conditions and clear weather for an optimal launch.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—When an Alaska volcano erupts, it doesn’t just affect the immediate surroundings; volcanic ash may swirl through the atmosphere and travel throughout the North Pacific region. The ash can impact residents’ health and divert air traffic flying in and around the state. To date, scientists can’t predict volcanic eruptions, but they can forecast how volcanic ash will behave once it’s in the atmosphere.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Four NASA rockets launched from Poker Flat Research Range during a three-hour span on the morning of Feb. 18, 2009. The rockets, carrying payloads that emitted glowing vapor trails that help scientists study turbulence in the upper atmosphere, launched at 12:59 a.m., 1:29 a.m., 1:59 a.m., and 2:49 a.m. Alaska Standard Time. The whitish trails, some resembling corkscrews in the sky, were visible in many parts of interior and northern Alaska.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Birds fly to Alaska from around the world to breed under the Midnight Sun. However, when days grow short and temperatures drop, only a handful remain to brave the winter in Interior Alaska. On Feb. 17, the fifth installment in the Science for Alaska Lecture Series will examine the wintering strategies of Interior birds that rely only on their muscles, feathers and fat to help them through the long, cold winter.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as S.A.D., is a seasonal mood disorder to which we in the North are particularly sensitive. The disorder is associated with a decrease in sunlight and involves a series of mood changes that are usually depressive in nature. In
Fairbanks, where the winter days are often short, many residents get the winter blues and find they require more sleep and more food to satisfy their appetite.
Second mission a success in 2009 rocket campaign at Poker Flat Research Range
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—After days of waiting for precise aurora conditions, a team from the University of Iowa finally saw the launch of its two scientific sounding rockets from Poker Flat Research Range. The NASA rockets launched Jan. 29, just before 1 a.m. Alaska Standard Time, and flew through an auroral curtain, collecting data throughout their flights.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—The University of Alaska purchased its unmanned aircraft in 2006 and the 40-pound robotic plane can fly up to 20 hours at a time, collecting data even through the harshest conditions. These superlatives make the Insitu A-20 an ideal tool for scientists that need information from areas that are often difficult or dangerous to get to.
