"Sounds of the Aurora" to launch 2005 lecture series

For Immediate Release

For Immediate Release

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. 

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As the Arctic climate warms, permafrost begins to thermally degrade. Transformation of this frozen layer of earth triggers changes in every aspect of surface water and energy in the Arctic. While the region experiences warming, permafrost becomes thinner, and its extent in the boreal forest shrinks. Alterations to permafrost also influence the look of the northern landscape and the region's climatology. In short, warming climate and thawing permafrost create changes to the entire hydrological cycle in Alaska.

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Whether it's learning more about the aurora, or dispelling myths on Alaska wolves, Fairbanksans are eager to learn more when it comes to science. Proof comes from a surge in attendance at the Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

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In Alaska, finding your way into bear country is easy. All three North American species of bears are present and there is about one bear to every five human residents in our state. This close proximity spurs many bear stories, myths, and misconceptions.

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At times, auroral activity occurring in the northern hemisphere is mirrored in the southern hemisphere. The swirls and ripples of auroral rays will occur in unison in each hemisphere. This phenomenon is known as the conjugacy of the aurora. For years, scientists at the Geophyscial Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have studied this effect of the aurora. Although studies are shedding more light on the issue, there isn't a clear-cut formula for when, this mirroring occurs.

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For more than a decade, the Science for Alaska Lecture Series has provided Anchorage residents the latest findings in scientific research relevant to all Alaskans. Traditionally, the lectures are offered during January and February, and serve as an educational and entertaining option for all ages on cold winter nights.

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The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the most widely recognized mushing events in the world; employing hundreds of canine athletes. For veterinarians, the unique nature of the race presents opportunities for studies that have led to improvements to sled dog care. Stuart Nelson, Jr., chief veterinarian of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, will present his work with Iditarod-related research in a free one-hour lecture on Jan. 22.

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No doubt about it, Fairbanks is a community of mushers, dog racing enthusiasts and all-around dog lovers. With the start of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race on Feb. 10, the timing is right for a lecture about the science behind sled dog racing. Veterinarians Margaret Eastman and Denali Lovely will present on the physiology of sled dogs and their experiences working on one of the most challenging sled dog races in the world.

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Global climate change is amplified in the Earth’s polar regions. As a result, Alaska’s land and waterscapes are rapidly transforming, affecting people and industry of the Far North. Much of our state’s transformation is related to alterations in the hydrological cycle. Freshwater in the Arctic is in flux, and this will affect the way people live, both physically and socially.