Professor David Newman of the Geophysical Institute's Space Physics and Aeronomy Research Group and the University of Alaska's Physics Department has been elected a Fellow by the American Physical Society. The APS has recognized Newman's "seminal contributions in a broad range of nonlinear problems relating to plasma turbulence, transport in fusion plasmas, and complex nonlinear systems."

Physics Department & Journal Club to answer:  “Why are we still studying the aurora?”

Who: Don Hampton, Optical Science Manager Poker Flat Research Range

Where: GI Auditorium, Elvey Building

When: Today, Friday, Nov. 11 at 3:45 p.m.

Abstract: “Why are we still studying the aurora?"

Research Professor Emeritus Dirk Lummerzheim of the Geophysical Institute will provide a public lecture at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota in early November. The college invited Lummerzheim to make the trip to present on mysteries of the aurora.

Lummerzheim is affiliated with the the GI's Space Physics research group and is an aurora expert. 

Geophysical Institute Professor Emeritus Gene Wescott will be a featured artist at the Well Street Art Gallery starting November 4. The scientist's wood block prints will be on display starting with November's First Friday event.

Wescott is affiliated with the Space Physics research group at the GI.

For more information, visit http://www.wellstreetart.com/.

Read up on some of the latest research news in the current edition of the Geophysical Institute Quarterly Report. Glaciers, thermokarst lakes, the 20th anniversary of the Alaska Satellite Facility, GI's new Education Group and details on our new director, Bob McCoy, are all available in this new, extended edition of the Quarterly. 

View the pdf here or request a copy of the publication through the Outreach Office. Email info [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu with your requests.

According to GI Professor Emeritus Chuck Deehr, a solar event occurred on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. The effects of the event are expected to reach Earth on Monday September 26. This is not directed toward Earth, but some effects will be felt. Watch the short term forecast for the most up-to-date information. Currently, aurora is predicted to be active both Monday and Tuesday.

More details on the aurora forecast available here.

Charles Deehr, Geophysical Institute aurora forecaster has issued an Aurora Alert:

The effects of the solar events of last week have reached Earth and a large magnetic storm is in progress.  The aurora associated with this storm has already covered Scandinavia.  It was visible in Central Europe during the night on Friday, September 9.  

For more than a decade Roger Smith has presided over the Geophysical Institute, serving as the chief administrator for all aspects of the facility. With roughly 300 employees, a $30 million budget and active research underway, the job has proven it takes both mental and physical stamina. Despite challenges experienced in the position, the outgoing director feels he’s met the goals he set out to achieve at the start of his administration.

In 2010, a telescopic imager that Poker Flat Research Range Optical Science Manager Don Hampton helped design more than a decade ago captured the glowing knuckles and smooth waistline of the comet Hartley 2, which is perhaps a fragment of the formation of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago.