FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 15, 2011

CONTACT: Amy Hartley, GI information officer, 907-474-5823, amy [dot] hartley [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu

Fairbanks, Alaska—The Geophysical Institute’s Alaska Satellite Facility will celebrate 20 years since the first downlink of images from an earth-observing synthetic aperture radar satellite by hosting an Open House on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011. The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on campus.

Scientists from ASF will provide short lectures on a variety of subjects related to the principles and use of remote sensing technologies. Tours will include visits to one of two satellite-receiving antennas used at ASF, to the antenna control room operations center and to the Alaska Volcano Observatory’s remote sensing laboratory.

This event is family-friendly. A rumbling earthquake demonstration, an erupting volcano and one of the university’s unmanned aircraft will be on display. Additionally, kids’ activities, games and face painting will be offered. 

The Open House will take place in the Elvey and Akasofu Buildings located on the West Ridge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. Parking will be free.

The Alaska Satellite Facility is one of the largest units of the Geophysical Institute. The facility downlinks, archives and distributes satellite-based data to scientific users around the world. 

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ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: ASF User Services Office, 907-474-6166 or via email at uso [at] asf [dot] alaska [dot] edu.

Nettie La Belle-Hamer, ASF director, at 907-474-6167 or via email at nettie [dot] labellehamer [at] alaska [dot] edu.

Marmian Grimes, UAF information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via email at mlgrimes [at] alaska [dot] edu

ON THE WEB: http://www.asf.alaska.edu/events/2011_open_house