Team to research noctilucent clouds
In the next few weeks, researchers at Poker Flat Research Range will study polar ice clouds and their environment in the late summer skies of Fairbanks. These studies will use the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar that can detect turbulent structures in the upper atmosphere.
Unmanned aircraft will have new role in oil spill response in Alaska
By Greg Walker, University of Alaska Unmanned Aircraft Program manager
DIXI team meeting at GI discusses Hartley 2
As reported by DIXI meeting coordinator Don Hampton:
The Deep Impact EXtended Investigation science team met at the Geophysical Institute from June 21 through June 26 to discuss the results of the flyby of comet Hartley 2 on Nov. 8, 2010. The comet flyby was accomplished using the repurposed Deep Impact spacecraft that was originally used to observe a spacecraft impact with comet Tempel 1 in 2005.
Two rockets set to launch from Poker Flat Research Range
For Immediate Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Scientists are now at Poker Flat Research Range north of Fairbanks preparing to launch two NASA sounding rockets for two separate experiments. The launch window for both experiments opens on January 26, 2010 and extends until February 15, 2010.
In the experiment set to launch first (on January 26 if winds are favorable), researchers from the University of Colorado will use a rocket at the top of its arc 200 miles above the ground as a platform to obtain a electronic telescope image of a far-off galaxy.
PDF DownloadBering Sea flights prove viability of university’s unmanned aircraft
For Immediate Release
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.
Research rocket launches from Poker Flat, through pulsating aurora
For Immediate Release
This morning, a NASA suborbital sounding rocket launched from Poker Flat Research Range into an aurora display over northern Alaska at 3:45 a.m. Alaska Standard Time, allowing researchers to gather more data about the power source behind pulsating auroras.
2010 rocket season begins at Poker Flat Research Range
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2010
CONTACT: Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute information officer, 907-474-5823, amy [dot] hartley [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu Fairbanks, Alaska—The launch window opened at Poker Flat Research Range at 8 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on Feb. 1, 2010. Range staff members will launch two NASA sounding rockets this season that will allow researchers to better understand winds of the upper atmosphere and aurora dynamics.
Free Summer Tours Open to the Public
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, International Arctic Research Center, and Poker Flat Research Range offer free summer tours that are open to the public.
Middle school students to learn rocket science and more at UAF
For Immediate Release
Thirty-six rural students will visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus for a two-day intensive program meant to polish their science and math skills. Middle school students from Chalkyitsik, Beaver, Kaltag and Unalakleet will learn the basics of rocket science, climate and the water cycle as part of the Science &Math Enrichment Program (SMEP).
