Timeline

  • 1957
    Sputnik 1 Launch
    Americans spot Russian man-moon newspaper headline

    The Soviets launched the world's first artificial Earth satellite. It completed 1440 orbits before burning up while re-entering Earth's atmosphere Jan. 4, 1958.

  • 1957
    Viewing Sputnik 1
    People around machines monitoring sputnik

    Geophysical Institute researchers are the first in North America to view Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to be launched into Earth's orbit by the Soviet Union. This same GI team also receives signals from the satellite at Ballaine Lake data receiving facilities.

About

Since it was established by an Act of Congress in 1946, scientists at the Geophysical Institute have studied geophysical processes from the center of the Earth to the surface of the sun and beyond, turning data and observations into information useful for state, Arctic and national priorities.

Contact info

The GI is located on the West Ridge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

2156 Koyukuk Drive
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775

We acknowledge the Alaska Native nations upon whose ancestral lands our campuses reside. In Fairbanks, our Troth Yeddha' Campus is located on the ancestral lands of the Dena people of the lower Tanana River.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: Learn more about UA's notice of nondiscrimination.

UA is committed to providing accessible websites. Learn more about UA’s notice of web accessibility.

Please report any problems or feedback concerning this website to uaf-rcs@alaska.edu.

©2022 Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks.