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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan 17, 2011 CONTACT: Stevie Seibert, GI Public Relations, 907-474-5229, stevie [dot] seibert [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu

Fairbanks, Alaska—Aurora displays in the night sky are one of the pleasures Alaskans look forward to during our long winters. The intensity of the aurora is dependent on particles being emitted from the sun. Solar activity is tracked in cycles and when the sun goes into a minimum, the aurora is visible less frequently. Typically, a solar minimum lasts about one year. However, the current minimum has been going on for more than three years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For Immediate Release

Have you ever heard the aurora? If so, you're not alone. Many claim to have heard noises while watching the aurora, but the phenomenon is still a mystery to scientists.

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).