tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37289180974728102472024-02-07T13:54:56.722-05:00MIRL AdventuresUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-19252413069929817932012-08-18T15:37:00.000-04:002012-08-18T15:37:18.632-04:00Home again!After travelling for 18 hours yesterday, I made it home! My trip was a great success. I was able to finish working on the system on Wednesday afternoon, so I had the rest of Wednesday and Thursday to hike about and see the Greenland sites.<br />
<br />
I replaced the video card, power supply, and processor card in our data acquisition system and now everything is running smoothly! Data is acquiring and looks great.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9o3RlCXw1FcJE9QH5fzPC9H7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuK3-5EWx2bHlpM1mVBYa5aHnxsc4zu8AWCjQ-hhKgV2C8nZBNHjQYvSNRxnOTrggndci3tnWSuYttujnDgaBaL90a7b7PgaxHiDrcu3B-vNWAt8sdYK8yayZFXxHBw3EeoZYD6XU1sOE/s400/081512103728_specgram_0-465.000.jpg" height="400" width="337" /></a><br />
This is 7 hours worth of data after I fixed the machine. The two spikes near the beginning were me pressing the "calibrate" button.<br />
</center><br />
With my work work out of the way, it was time to go exploring!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vJci_8aZujzPfVPFovgnjNH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03cjwbqbpgCQnly5WlC041zII9v42Gy8EbPJn8__4BBJxzmfIt4vzLkqyYB_Jfn4sOrXgLuEzUE6rOfSfSe5nG11Cu64ApX-w4j5J5j0KlHkHRtOJs8TUlSC_Nk__5uoRLatCkX-VrEIg/s800/100_6298.JPG" height="480" width="319" /></a><br />
</center><br />
I went hiking a bit up the road from Kellyville to where there used to be a power plant when the United States had an air force base in Sondrestrom.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tauu5aAqtLg3KjJC_lClmtH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4rdvtuH1FQpSqoU1BF8dp9PNcEwivPqkGgan5kiI3ZT0jmpAKVrNk-F8bC-rgUibkIijBBODB4MDdEtWx1x6I1TD2nCt52ZS3yPo03l9f2LP8ZgR1lSfOLgMnlEtoPVIjODD6Jkkt7nS/s800/100_6306.JPG" height="360" width="480" /></a><br />
The tundra is so beautiful!<br />
</center><br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wp1DbWSSeDSQOoL0T9ORINH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k-Wgo6lOl2NXuxzLyNzjmuba_FJRFOUkltejMBu-AmtCs5eIpOr_i4Tct9zE2nLCRs35d95jX7tYCHT7CI2a23ZPO1SKwV8-FiISNdEVNOEafGXg8xFs8CB2Fg_siTKtpoI5u5gZF-Op/s800/100_6322.JPG" height="360" width="480" /></a><br />
Because the water around here is mainly glacier fed, it has an amazing blue colour.<br />
</center><br />
The same week I was up in Greenland, SRI had hired a contractor to come and paint the radar dish. It hadn't been painted since it was built in the early 1970s and there was rust, paint rubbing off, and other problems. He wasn't able to accomplish a lot in the week he was up because it was raining for about half the time, but he was able to go out for a few days.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jglf1tGQv5aEY1NzC6lNCdH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSu4paAVZZug4gLZgprgeJDM0V9N0GNxZKsfzyWp2LQ9o9HcyasjErs2Ucp3DMW3nyh-dRwGEmhdha34AZOsk1paKJ25Qg9602SXHz25-QT9HIKCehT7Z8vvKRDxZyRd1cLXIYq3Qh6Ij/s800/100_6344.JPG" height="360" width="480" /></a><br />
You can see Mike hanging out painting away on the dish.<br />
</center><br />
On Thursday morning, I went for a longer hike around Kellyville. I climbed the hill behind the radar dish, wandered around the tundra for a bit, found muskox skulls, and sat on a lovely picnic bench to have a snack and read my book.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S9LxCtUceN8YPiHSNLaIr9H7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwz1Bg1aX4hyphenhyphenOorCB8c6EFWvZjutH3YiLqz-Gt4rHMwGouDa8pwZDhdRe6stXzOec1Xx0I6Ogr0PC0NYpHyLbFfEUuDIVu4eRG8ZGaVIMql6RMjLOwu8RVVSOwJ8Z3yJ1oq0TyUC4rRez/s288/100_6371.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GhasG3DoVS7-5sQRykXcv9H7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZxlaGw45Gm2xICBNsCOse05stpORdNH4W9zg6Jt07tPiweporJXi8tKN_SSN6qpaOTkyFurqrNKZ4ceWq6ZCbaVR8uolsGjzNIZi7e3023kBY2IwfZJo8nOnGf8Ofu3Gnrzm0Es6Kj7r/s288/100_6401.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_-wz3yMUIuz6Gjn02aaAX9H7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVa3s2kv01wPQHoDav6ZhUSO4LR_YBxxvKZcv3CNXfEbubL6VeUWZ92qEt3qRz7f7njFELbNaVYQaDEXMoxQD3QJacmoq0dZfNutQKwpwntXUfEkYuGLcfd7NYlnxt03fvu117g54NHlH/s288/100_6440.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QuhrhRJu0g_qhbT-vmc4xtH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jdCss2VSmfNFSGTbt1YRxCTFGGwuu4hftLScds125958xxwQ4dFsWmD92PBK8KOxtDtwbQBQ-2Sr-lSkxnbYaZ0thGObd1SxIQzcsHIyBqNlvsQcUpJpLYdI6OYDdiutIlFkjarJbHFc/s288/100_6485.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
</center><br />
After the site crew and painter were done working for the day, we decided to drive out to the ice cap. We drove for about an hour on a bumpy, sandy, windy road to get there. It was well worth it!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M-RbqHosDLHUbjTyqSxwdNH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-mFvpEQHcgbfuNmj0urM_Akt39mooBUEPAEFVSzzJkkhd1q_crb4PwrCq81lPAZR4Mu-BmxwhdLK7we_VIvnLsY3Dh4Jib4wMfqwLLPU7ipH2dmcguf5WZ8_oOohCDTBAmPVtiTNEWqa/s288/100_6492.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sZ8v66X295R93JROPT7Y5tH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-Mfobp7E3LaWKV8ImyVlbdRI8-XqnqO19ebZhmzDZ8NxTVxJd_RIGYvdQt_oAmqRcNHRgMFj9qZyHcXYD_yjKH7YR2oTMiMn3JPZxXV9e7Ew0DTKnfwHcR-aUigae7PKHtCFVWjcETrn/s288/100_6504.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XcDjCvVoPaZcJTqWzLBudNH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwxhQo2-zsnmYyT-0VTGQoGiCoLAIFvXnn7cz_R0KEiNg5WaZJ9Ig63RYHushV0p9swfrqi6s7Exnoyzt3D5aVbycevD29E6uPL8Bv-PC39KLySTunddZN5LTLhrs4we7cSXbIXVVLBPm/s288/100_6513.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PSShO4HeNmR1thwBT0VWwNH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnW6Nv0YoYFHRznTFcxwTBVZOyexPOjUUd8Hu87sZXwudKiW7BHRH5IPoTcGqLd0jf4LObUxa2CKaiWTGNASdzqM73Ca-obaXikC6pRESy-sI_K68l-B0EMeXMZx-LvweVduvA3QO6Pq5/s288/100_6522.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
</center><br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SjmYUBNLirU5qvpj_PNKq9H7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYuWXTb3SFM5rjqOLRjCVBu-jTbrhSNm1iboHeSa9khuDTom8UTBKPvio7vGWUYO6x8JzwQlrlMNAnfiy3Qn0X8Z468FQNnXpO5kQ51sfl7_l65Sl8MaeGuZN9d8iki06x7UedKoXDdd_/s800/100_6551.JPG" height="360" width="480" /></a><br />
</center><br />
I'm glad that my trip went so well, the people who helped get me there and housed me were fantastic, and that I was able to visit such a beautiful place!Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780225862259548792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-46429172543099595422012-08-14T14:51:00.001-04:002012-08-14T14:51:58.838-04:00I have arrivedI made it to Greenland! I freaked out a little bit thinking I had the wrong day or time when the bus to pick me up which was supposed to arrive at 0500, didn't show up until 0630. Other than not getting that extra hour of sleep, everything turned out just fine.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GJgZSbF_ffBv8Z3h42vfStH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqrhfY3khEAGIzLHGSvVn4CpK360tBrSOmea5NKod2z54HCxl0JRjKLt5LeSITw99fxqLZmOaH__Ruh9gOphu8VYlqf8_I2K0PIYvpJNPf71KUwIXuDL_U9SVWgj0HqjSKd2WKWoKD_Z6/s400/100_6167.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
The view from my seat as we were getting ready to leave NY.<br />
</center><br />
The plane we rode in was amazing. It is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_C-130_Hercules">Hercules C-130</a> plane. These are the planes used for getting up to Greenland and down to Antarctica. All the cargo is strapped down in the middle of the plane and the people are on bench seats along the side. At least you can get up and walk around the plane easily. I am glad I didn't have to use the toilet, it is essentially a metal pot with a curtain surrounding it.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pqkW619Oqiis6-S4i24eTtH7aniZOuGqV3Uqvp2gFFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg9bs2b96NQJ0Fxwl5jKDJ9lOCnmSOHgksCRhXA98PpGewSNGViPEBWXjWRXM-zi4K530JeQXYdWvYSFjhoeK0W8vR6tU3OsNcEKyt1yuTgD4l5Lu7cgixJR9H79OoywJSEuElKQgkfZi/s400/100_6192.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Me and the plane during our refueling stop in Goose Bay, Labrador.<br />
</center><br />
When we arrived, it was the fastest customs I had ever been through. The man stamped each of our passports and then left. We rode a bus over to the Kangerlussuaq International Science Support station where all the other passengers. Mary McCready picked me up and we drove the few kilometers out to <a href="http://hornsund.igf.edu.pl/tmo/grenlandia/kellyville_en.html">Kellyville</a> where the incoherent scatter radar is hosted. My room is in the same building as the controls for the radar. I am excited about staying in my slippers for most of the week.<br />
<br />
This morning, I got up and started troubleshooting our data acquisition system with the help of our amazing engineer, Paul. Pull that card, put that there, turn it on, turn it off, change the card, pull the flash drive out, etc. We are still working through the issues, but I am confident that it will be fixed in the next day or so.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XltTDdlnHjlVfPXMdHqGqURFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnF7tJRMuBF5s_V4cGm9RAWG2z4f48pOSyQIbU4Mzrb4lnf1IvCSXvzI_4DvVz8ADSTLKGtmItcF5aIM06-b5ilDtymM5D1AlVnWPN78JJZHseV_w7AhGpdPzNPuAb9m7r3ZlT5EXTnZ7/s400/100_6204.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
How I found our system.<br />
</center><br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lxLFS7Gotm5FJEGprxGXQ0RFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGwjKgGXTGxQULvtByIzOOeVhAOX9mH8euG4JLyK01WhUh3XTrYaPmU9gnSds2Zo65nXZzup2Y-kGMqnC7KnDid64LIwONtqIqkI_lf2XYwo0DfN3tcDy89cwo6bjIRtciE0jvR4NYQYh/s288/100_6215.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rhHhloyU4EBIKG0JJgTJRERFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWalyEYqh9k_IISH0oAHbCz6moTxOWkzLUj7scIQ91TTOyI2IJEoAiD01OP-r11J9g4Yk4cnMA9KQb4lmzT98r1o6dHgAGVDwX2_cpQcS0F1E3aY4DUIyTqbUOozWo8I4W2iX8aBsne2T/s288/100_6228.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
I love macro shots of electronics.<br />
</center><br />
In a lull between trouble shooting, I decided to go out and check on the coils. I followed the cable out and there didn't appear to be any cracks or tears in the casing. The coils are firmly buried under the tundra. Before we lost contact with the acquisition system, the spectrograms appeared like normal, so the coils are probably just fine.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s0hW9jCn-aAnYw3xzJ9FSkRFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a-2IMCzXwgvzNwu2KTdnRX1Mum4ESDi4oa0xcdYpoTtiPUPHCpmKVnTV1zWmvwFa8zANfg05rKvuOBOewoOxUrwIQT34069xWUiZfftIz_UXTxPjqoA-B9x5hZMlYNXU70JGVewirbSM/s400/100_6269.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Location of the coils. You can see the cable going under the dirt.<br />
</center><br />
I also took some pictures of the radar, surrounding tundra, and our cable. I knew exactly which cable to follow!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mw3yxdDjZ2jcolrCN1p__URFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LmFK5-XZg5PrM4-ICz56XaS5CyipLazyJxPLU-A8buhyphenhyphenTfNJRjvA4snXpuMRPInugDbQDG_uXP5O_enVfSAvqc01pvtzwK8n-nGpsFPw2Y5whg5fZlR_dvSx_NHsaiJI6kDLyamTyPpi/s288/100_6262.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LDgUTaaVnoVUFN4kaMo8B0RFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB9H8RbV81juOhlOAziLojj5oe40fMs1YpjQhR3wkFIJ907JcvePBR0dJwtCW7bi0_sQ1M5ZO3aBiIX3CiwOErjiihLY-qF-1ym94TcHlOOmt70vBjkLO9Fk-oj2n2JXFjAjcIWNbY9NJ/s288/100_6265.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TpegqMVQj1BG6HIncFipbURFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YeAZxd0S2r7-7Hb2BkdXqTMtyfhMDsWFQk4AuQftRMB3MrhZ4TxA0gGw5HSA89UgiU8kNunNMArPfDnp89L4h2W62-g9p3sLAgbAD3xof4odAu_JrVh3GHjavrVyXcAA1KzBQ_ws8nim/s288/100_6275.JPG" height="192" width="288" /></a><br />
</center><br />
I was advised by a fellow colleague, who had been out here before and knew that I am vegetarian, that I should probably bring my own food for my stay here. The day before I left, my husband and I went to the grocery store and stocked up on non perishable food stuffs. I think I'm not going to starve this week.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YsnqXZwTVgsnefCugjEnqERFVZzlmobfnVH-sjVlAMo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex6W3Bj1vNgdlU5wBKXhuz-mNWNXbZ64J3hUYfHwVsUiBUQuUK1UbNlXIjmCofuMRD9KuxykSdBKach90sbNCPZtSqzRwRRYoXmybCgESywBg7MO1ydp-TRbHcm1eX6_iQLRgY3iqk50O/s400/100_6203.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
</center>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780225862259548792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-12757907039022687532012-08-12T09:45:00.001-04:002012-08-12T09:46:22.725-04:00Greenland!It has been almost two years since my last field work for the MIRL lab and now I'm off to someplace great - GREENLAND! Not Greenland, NH, Greenland the country under the Kingdom of Denmark. I've had several people here in NH ask me to clarify that I was not staying in the state...<br />
<br />
We have one of our magnetometer systems located at the <a href="http://isr.sri.com/">Sondrestrom Research Facility</a>. When it was decided that I would go to Greenland, it was because no one had visited our system since the install in 2007 and we wanted to make sure that everything was okay - no animal chewed on our cable, or the acquisition system was still operating within normal parameters. Now my travel has become imperative. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I was attending <a href="http://www.haystack.mit.edu/cgi-bin/asg_science/science.cgi/2012_ISR_School">Radar Summer School</a> in Banff, Canada (one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited (view photos <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102215178182189600022/albums/5774491150205544689?authkey=CN_OrdKn77SYPw">here</a>)) and as part of the school we were given incoherent scatter radar data to analyse and some of the data came from Sondrestrom. In an effort to look at the data in a variety of ways, I wanted to plot our magnetometer data, but was unable to log into the system. When I e-mailed the technician at the station, he said that the system was powering on, but he was also unable to log onto the machine. After some troubleshooting, we think the video card and possibly the processor are burned out. After working continuously for five years, they have been good cards. I'm on my way to replace the cards and get the system back up and running. As well as maybe learn more about the incoherent scatter radar they have in Greenland.<br />
<br />
My travel schedule is a bit funny for getting up to Greenland. I am currently writing this on the C&J bus that will take me to Boston-South Station. I will then take an Amtrak train to Albany, NY (round trip ticket between Boston and Albany was only $85!). Then take a taxi up to my hotel in Clifton Park, NY. Tomorrow at 0500, there will be a bus to take me to the nearby air force base, where I will then be put on a C-130 plane for the 6 - 7 hour flight up to Greenland. It is not an exact time because we might or might not stop in Newfoundland for refueling. Then Greenland!<br />
<br />
I'll try to post some pictures and updates when I can - the internet up there does not have the largest bandwidth.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780225862259548792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-12722434454120760172010-10-29T13:20:00.000-04:002010-10-31T13:11:29.513-04:00The long awaited last Poker postI have not updated the blog since I arrived home. Mostly because I felt bad about not really accomplishing anything.<br />
<br />
When I left, the ELF system still has the weird noise pattern. The gain rises from -2V to +2V then falls sharply back to -2V like a sawtooth. The signal coming in from the coil is flat, then gradually increases in oscillation and falls back to flat. Even after repairing the soldering on the connector, it still had the noise. I tested the cable, and a signal was able to be sent through just fine. I test the cable and receiver box and it seems to work fine. That points toward the coil not working. The coil was able to pick up the 60Hz signal in the building, but as soon as I brought the coil outside of the building, the noise began. I couldn't determine what caused the noise, so I left the coil lightly buried and someone else is going up to try and fix it.<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y13IknXc8TvHic4KkuaN-HuPW--wbwpqYkH3E-lduho?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuxwu6Ytcp44n-0r8rt7BQOkKwT2D7Lr3gugGw5FSCoDO_nxUcHZGG6jn5NexnLIEisJbmZzuwvYYmUafNph6wqiW2jmEaVz6sPNvaYhtM7hUYfF8Dy4xjyKMTi9RMY_zDjjqXGm2NbZj/s400/100_2619.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
ELF coil under the tarp and lightly buried. </center><br />
<br />
The ULF coils are working okay. The data we have been receiving is still variably noisy. Even after turning off the regrowth experiment, the noise level did not decrease. I asked the people working at Poker if anything started around August that would have caused the noise to start, but didn't get any insights.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y-3xQiQK3PfxbKfIbfYuFrJBtAZnOSFYMdH-u1wN2Zk?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSn86-tmOyeOWnM6UoDJ3wxvpiyDO9HRPwAv-3ntQobFKHAldRs9mBsNAebYCVINynfgpMjeSL0C21E5OKRMPSFxuHiNKlL_RozQ4YfzgLgFkXEXjTmQ8kcfkIbUA9IbqMUbsN9b-JWDD/s400/ULFTLK00029_specgram_0-2880.png" height="400" width="294" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8sMI92iA53B7dtKlF6VQK7JBtAZnOSFYMdH-u1wN2Zk?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_TYP_5TsA1Bp-zongV7vXWecctA0C0MoJ9IguwKKkdmiISov_vXi745fee6FPD8T413XxJqo6FIJAFC26CSmBW39XG5XZM2p3qB8KOXn79U6zC6Fs-eudtheQwlyvgEcbfZgVMuKjHt6/s400/ULFTLK00037_specgram_0-1440.png" height="400" width="294" /></a><br />
The one on the left shows the first two days after I left (10 - 11 Oct) and the one of the right is this past Wednesday (27 Oct).<br />
</center><br />
<br />
Lastly, I couldn't get any images of aurora. The cable to connect the imager to the computer had wires loose. My attempts to put it back together, did not work out well.<br />
<br />
I have to remind myself that I will get better at doing this. This is only my second field trip and the first real one where I had intensive trouble shooting to do. Next time, I will be much more prepared.<br />
<br />
I heard from Matt that I was an oddity at the Chatanika Lodge. I ordered a steak sandwich without the steak. I just wanted the onions, peppers, mushrooms and cheese on bread. Matt told me when he went in the day after I ordered it, they were talking about it as if I had a third arm.<br />
<br />
On the day I left, there was a beautiful sunset, fox tracks, moose, and snow. Alaska was really rugged and I'm excited to go back. I submitted an abstract for a conference in Fairbanks in March of next year. If needed, I could probably do some field work while I'm there.<br />
<br />
<center> <br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GVhvCsulYt-ab--ES_muB3uPW--wbwpqYkH3E-lduho?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eg4-0qHey-Tu6Ms9FI8YT2wRZ7KEYLQT4QvgDQbg4IvY7bTRyCZ52quWrTbIfftHeEFapRVohqQxzr2LfydGdEUeOW5KzQRCUPpuO63Kr6qz0L6xNvH4-Zv9tx3xR0tbGj_W342-LaP4/s400/100_2621.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mVDOuyICkOUMz36ht_u0hXuPW--wbwpqYkH3E-lduho?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9nZ_9oylY4MCsXH19r5VVg-xuqHZB_i2PVzKtFQsKd78KrSx60KD9UPAO0czbxv_KdCsXy471taqkiUEgqrSrsAdETThGE9iy3cG0bcIR8purrCdOHTpzzeGxlK9-U2It5vCTFRsKgZA/s400/100_2641.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Gorgeous sunset! My camera can't even do it justice.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9ZFCMZ3x0Zqx1XwajnrGf7W3-RD6LKZ3TjPmlAxy6Qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAwaenA3pVWFiQWiSVYwpQ-R-28zPmD6nnf6jPMO1oqbdKeCFeBArRGgYBHjv0VDGbrqmNUy3tGOU_Apzbkklu7NANzIpMTPXBUIATJiOTSD_WU_LNyxiqEVigS6aPvxZFfQ9PCnTDv31/s400/100_2599.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Fox tracks<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f5fep5hCTXZNuAbVAYjNCLW3-RD6LKZ3TjPmlAxy6Qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQwIxp5WvLXdpPuNjJVe0QA69ROmynoHP_PRWWjIbXbXjysQ-EOoWPC-_tsuOfxvROHSlBacLPRu1DprKwLwxW1KB5bLZqnnorJKCqsz2CgPiqj08a9Qg_lWgJG_onQAHjZzV35AgLmZe/s400/100_2589.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Two moose who took their time getting out of the way of my car<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3BzqWStF8V9BGIKCMjSK0rW3-RD6LKZ3TjPmlAxy6Qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSZs298Qiooah7codbXKcmDZcYhtM7dgNVKhOYxJep5GVZCYNKrI-BlaqHgd-x7ioGZaZ4b9TtgLh4KDMgfAug-mpwyv4l3R-acdLluc9oGTr4CCV2RupomNrSssaTD0qWSvB6nm33uux/s400/100_2594.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
Of course, the macro shot. I love it.<br />
<br />
</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-55009336485873102662010-10-08T03:23:00.001-04:002010-10-08T03:24:11.926-04:00Fairbanks, stillI was supposed to be leaving this evening, but was unable to get my ELF coils completely finished, so I am staying for two more days. I was looking forward to going home, but science must be done!<br />
<br />
Wednesday night, Matt and I drove out to Poker around 10pm for the aurora imaging. It was my first time seeing the aurora and it was amazing. I thought at first it was just clouds, then it started to move a little bit and become more defined. It was gorgeous. A++ would see again. The problem: my imager wasn't working. I had something wired incorrectly and two of the circuit boards within the imager had come undone during shipping causing pins to bend. The imager appears to be working now, but there might not be another opportunity for me to go out and take images due to cloud cover. There was a coronal mass ejection a few days ago that will probably hit the Earth tomorrow. After I drop Matt off at the airport, I might drive out to Poker and see if the clouds are going to break.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7pltlhoYEN57MiVu35aVRGEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhWoqFP1fDqcTUH_LuUCxHyRLRrDdhyphenhyphenOQ72PtbNJ_HU6Yj_oc6Jj__RTv-vRwgswkktUcOtEmXNg7uNcdhOQv3qpb7mvUvBsmAuihwyutb-l6ASV3_2i3wiCetQD0_HQr0DBxnT2YM9xC/s400/100_2570.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Aurora set-up</i></center><br />
<br />
Seriously the aurora is awesome.<br />
<br />
I didn't have my super amazing camera with me, so the longest exposure I could take is 8s. I was reading online that 20 second exposure time is about right for the aurora.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M8PjTWIph-dj8wMcEHnwd2Edrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVZ-ZM50c6RlAGQr7cXr3bHnsQAkC_nViy9EVAhD_myy3AAZyqlpLWbTKczZen-LmTJVlD77hvpRcPMFvxh1RzM0nf1AziwEF3zm5urd69YykOAiJ4wX_qZBK3sZOMB1DWf9L2agntV5k/s288/100_2543.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JCYc65MQhR-DiZWCl78t0GEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FioTfSxv_hEXlh6hRKkJqQI5Lm6Z7HVIGwwcWayeo0m5XphyphenhyphenGIqFFrBBMh8T4f6t5Y_yfcZPXrwpsxsX9KD3NVC3b2S2KHssmFBc-VndDoTewdbIxOL8DPx5hd9Wi4qvhZVBy3V3J1-g/s288/100_2545.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> </center><br />
<br />
The ULF coils appear to be in working order. I moved them far away from the supposed noise source. In order to move the coils, I wanted to roll up the entire 1000 feet length of cable so I could lay it out nicely. Everything is moving along swimmingly, I am able to roll the spool of cable by myself over the dead trees, plants, up the hill, until I get to a riometer antenna. Someone in their infinite wisdom, ran my cable between the riometer post and the tree it was attached to. Whomever put the mast in must have thought to themselves, "Oh I know a great way to keep these cords from moving around, I'm going to run it behind my mast". I ended up disconnecting the cable from inside the science center and meeting my cable halfway. A bit frustrating.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QvVzJzngu_3YBRXHWoqSuGEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRlWVhfAIkYdIwyNC3NqMgIHD4-eiHtMM5pAloWFelNyY1HJez-OEVGGBdpE_IfscvtShTa-mKSSWk8uDU-jd5pPDv8BRZFsiR4gb2Ij7SGPg-XmqnGyrNIDrWRcK57NDvbdI2NW0n8Xs/s400/100_2547.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
The acquisition system ran over night and the data was okay. It is still a bit noisy, so we will see what they look like tomorrow. I used a pickax and buried the coils already, I hope I do not have to move them again. I triple checked to see if there were any noticeable sources of noise.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YAgL8ZbedP7FPRS1vcXKq2Edrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJsWlCAI6jDXedzef-A0E-fN6ar4c3b3KHHmQ_FGgWj5CkruTd-8IwOmcbAwOYNHpvzXAP19bVdkVM4GJQIySgqskkQs1Pv6k8GWPvRCwWy7ZbMB-3VQip7Smv0qD5Jtxnnepy1lM0Md0/s288/100_2556.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O2ToJtaPs-3ukZer4w8sNGEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vLWafYxgiJknxRpGk7BAlRSVJXMPsQHVyV7yexbysSQTV4MQwvn88964JF1vZAQSoRuRTcIWsRoFYvhokCA59-_VQ_K6kBmFjSDMgpfTuhw62njfjMPlCescXcY3Vl-o_K1X3cvrIVEZ/s288/100_2561.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> </center><br />
<br />
Oh yes, it snowed today. It wasn't that cold and not very heavy. I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to find my coils again because the cable would be covered in snow. Luckily, that was not the case.<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jqtJ06_zG_jBrCxZ6K0gg2Edrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIq-w-FrSc3_FBd1dX_ib6OoDh9TpOcWKs1LDioIO7MkrK5gm5M8JiLrWPF-QuXqDHwLP08w-m_MpmWDiSN_pxK_2_ctI_ioUqC1rhdPVCa2lIXszJvKeJ1DoCaQ27V2lq0QTqed7PSyt/s400/100_2560.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> </center><br />
<br />
I have had to repair a few breaks in the main sensor cable jacket. My advisor sent me silicone tape which I call fruit by the foot tape. It looks like the sugary fruit leather type thing on a piece of plastic. The tape works amazing well. It's seals, sticks to itself, and is quite fetching.<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yEiebeQQmLWWaqkkGd8qe2Edrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE76ZWKHOJQ_kq21zaNbZCQE5cc_OViohc4pgmUfnYJy0LFBtf2W2OB362amKaZud2byjWmWbysGMCEmpelHkX9Z3q88V383IZ9bG4B5KeJmJi3fkwvuIn1WVzmllwKz2P9yocOlerDgo0/s288/100_2550.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KcmgOkIJrW4-DiA6olZGCmEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sCDqLvz1SgZhnNhsWVGjYwA4rlCSvIriHD4-6VnPs14sn5WmIBoymB5jZ2cRDJm4Oujk495TRQs45btkjX0GhNw-290-t9ooiSSKCkY13MquBkXMeVKxGaq5jOihauTDNE7KlKqHmWoS/s288/100_2551.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a> </center><br />
<br />
The ELF coils are giving me massive amounts of grief. There is a noise problem which I cannot track done. I thought the gain on the system was the source: no. I tested the cable to see if all the connectors were functioning: yes. Generated signal passing through: just fine. The coil is a black box to me. We purchased it and I have never seen inside. I had to buy a screw driver this evening with a small enough bit to open it up. Tomorrow the black box will no longer be black. I really want to figure out what is going on!!<br />
<br />
Alaska is still a funny place to me. I receive the local paper every morning and this on the front page a few days ago. I would like to know their definition of "crowd".<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/31LZk57FyjhXGZZNAW5gXWEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcgZfIUwNqFEtnV1ojKeH0xmOfRndyrGaLqH75Awl8NHYohMBFp-zzVCTE8gYmOK5LlCLErEjs6ukX0dmeAKEBebBKzFzTzJfZPs3bY2ZEfzbWqAJWSbtJtyFZ0q3Kl-1d9pcBgduM1wC/s400/100_2533.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Almost every day for lunch, we drive down to the Chatanika Lodge. It is the closest restaurant to the research range for miles and miles. Inside, there is a gimmick of writing on a dollar bill and stapling it to the wall or ceiling. Marc told me there are many dollars from previous rocket campaigns, but I have yet to sight them.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/llFYkbV_krI_U2K5nShEkmEdrns2cCQvclYCOMtuQzY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLMxkZoe2aGwQQwdxzU32P5mG1qVrFigu2ao8HwvsoCBYpY30EdA4MVmXOG5efkKC_TSPq-M3BQjXLSvj74BifQ59EIOrG7_5laqi7yAxM5CnEe8unDW5XT7CHqC33UKuFClTbflHrYkK/s400/100_2568.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
When we were there for lunch on Tuesday, it was a polling place for borough elections. There was one polling booth.<br />
<br />
Two more days and then I will be home. I like Alaska and the snow was pretty today, but I am not looking forward to driving in it, nor am I looking forward to any hole digging I might have to do with the ground starting to freeze.<br />
<br />
I'm off to bed and an early start tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-70638680355609824332010-10-06T00:52:00.000-04:002010-10-31T13:11:29.515-04:00FairbanksWhile I was in Svalbard, I recorded videos for my boyfriend, Matthew, because we could not always talk when I had time at my computer. I thought that recording a video about my research day would be easier than typing today. So here you go:<br />
<br />
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PAYqKQG4fHA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PAYqKQG4fHA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
I apologize for the random clicking every so often. I think it is vibrations in my laptop.<br />
<br />
If tl;dw (too long; didn't watch), I am still having troubles with ULF and ELF systems. I am planning on moving my ULF coils away from the generator which means tomorrow, in the forecasted rain/snow, I get to dig holes and carry rocks. The ELF has a weird gain pattern, but opening up the receiver box showed two wires not connected to the sensor cable connector. They both look like ground cables, which would probably lead to the noise I am having. Tonight I am going back up the mountain to take pictures of aurora. It is to be cloudy the rest of my time in Alaska. I really hope that tonight I can get my images taken!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-71631593149918451432010-10-05T02:39:00.000-04:002010-10-31T13:11:29.515-04:00Poker FlatI am in Alaska. I was reminded by a few people that I needed to update what was going on up here.<br />
<br />
I arrived in Fairbanks after almost 20 hours after leaving my house around 4:00AM.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/source.decay/20101002?authkey=Gv1sRgCILur4mTnYqWTw&feat=embedwebsite#5524430890528695586"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipttMYY9Qv1MFGqlwpFUyX9Nnpx5PFAhIbU2QYRSh6nbdUG8yIgop1fkLOkozzdbdoAENCbg4ef3lWaJQ_oqURZ3F8RTq3RVqiSsYdpCUcboc0BFgjCpgH1Dxx8fanh2usM8Uo7ibCTcMV/s288/100_2417.JPG" width="288" /></a><br />
No one should have to wake up this early </center><br />
<br />
The amazing thing was, most of the packages I needed arrived on the same day I arrived! Cables, computers, imager. It was a good day and a change from the fiasco of mailing something to Svalbard.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yEMYDU5uu7m03d02V3NCh6PfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmTvvqBCZT-5t-WZxCdIRdrnQ5oYWdMAxg9YJ0IqGXnSCVegvL1lr8DsDgBcgGOTSwK2D21hlCrMWP8sqhEhBp5CErg3O1-kc2dWX80GLcEDvtldsWkvA5KurJ9_pHh8Hd7kU33iLQJzB/s288/100_2419.JPG" width="288" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mQKkIZJvG6Q4sswF_GzlFqPfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZUp56AymQlRoWUOmP59ibgPeZbyTrarqG88FFcyr0fJqsIu2sD8VvXftmQa4pS8lzkcL4WwBHqI98yXadm39Z5FqQ1ESSSw6NBpkc9OanEiLHBFkiarVtGv6SQQ1cDK1_2XKtkB5iQCV/s288/100_2456.JPG" width="288" /></a><br />
</center><br />
<br />
Friday, I began trying to figure out why there was noise in the ULF coils. I was shown where the coil was located, where my acquisition was packed and I got to work. I found a cut in the jacket of the main sensor cable. Someone had wrapped about three inches of duct tape around the cut to seal it off. I don't know if that happened during brush clearing or earlier in the year, but that is not good. I am going to receive special <a href="http://www.amazon.com/F4-Tape-Self-fusing-Silicone-Oxide/dp/B001HETINI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286257277&sr=8-1">silicone tape</a> to repair the jacket. The rest of the main sensor cable was fine which means I don't have to try to move the 70 lb coil of cable through the woods.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center> <br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JZ5kk-uvf1xRAosZlNfm06PfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJoNzPgjJcpokJjla48XDvCoYxp29r0VO9NWO96CPvsDbTgQvHFsrxuiF2grtUW0GduRTihVC3s1Ka4jzzT7bQDYWSisahiPqLkQPpiqOhJY4KTPTewItQCvovmlZtlzwyDYQnDo6nCme/s288/100_2434.JPG" width="288" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2ffFSc0bej5DNvuPjhIRA6PfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw0VbrByMiCHCBlMAfwVEVWzz6wX3BMbG2EThl7YUICWv7fQ6e8HD6gsl3nTcQdJy38iVXzCD_-bwWNYeBTfwrJDltcx41YblDuW2saJuywMAl8vaUBX6QJ-xLijvPYQrAIrBAi7ICSMR/s288/100_2436.JPG" width="288" /></a><br />
</center><br />
<br />
The cut in the jacket allowed moisture to enter into the cable causing corrosion at the connector and inside the junction box. I was able to shake the main cable and have water fall out of it. It seems like one of the main problemn is figuring how to avoid moisture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aLhyaKvjLNkYlh6DTf2KvKPfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yvUpfcWZII7AocLS4PG7MogQpwLDjeJvsAhFiesqQ-BZx7siAY_DP1AFuIMMQ6Z4NqCJWLeO5I3ml86sj9nYJ6vv71DEqltJA8oCJcLrTVQxcztbAhlppRY-QAMm8gLDQd7bgSK355fX/s288/100_2474.JPG" width="288" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6X2q9hVU2rujeqc-NHIPc6PfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZrf7qvjX8i37nWAd2S_dC6IOM9YP80Ow6he2_eIgOEsZ0RG1IsaWE-ZMb_Cyf_YDftBbD9OXwXQ8S3-G055Fq5qylek9kyIQGAC8Zn0XcktgiG_c_GEByopYhQfGlGVjDPEcED6vChkH/s288/100_2511.JPG" width="288" /></a> </center><br />
<br />
There was still the issue of noise. Both of my coils are showing the exact same signal. The coils generally show a similar signal, but never the exact same. It leads me to believe it is a man made signal. A few years ago, there was a fire that swept through the area. Most of the trees are blackened and dead. There is some foliage growing a few research groups are investigating regrowth of forests. Unfortunately, the regrowth experiment about 200 feet away from my ULF coils has a humming generator that is the most likely cause for my noise. My coils have a noise floor of about 400mV when we desire something more like 20mV. Tomorrow, I get to try and contact the research group and ask if we can turn off the generator, or I might be relocating the coils to the other end of the forest area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t9MYBKsrQkd_SDc3wrGyoaPfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvn97_JuidjtCd5fFLtvwcC035Nn2g_FcNkR_0hNTqhWH9pd8V8IIrQtwN5keecdQbEl1gY0PJvVc-564c8q_7qd-VaD1RduIOSLla51agfg5_KOvKEmoiZz2RGPdKI-wBI0Y0xgCVypx/s288/100_2455.JPG" width="288" /></a><br />
Scope output at the acquisition system for the coils.<br />
</center><br />
<br />
Sunday, before I could adequately say it was the generator causing the problem, I gave up troubleshooting and decided to go onto my second objective: ELF coil installation. The cable was only about 200 feet long, as opposed to the 1000 feet of the ULF coils, so the commute back and forth to the ELF coil is much faster. In addition to my digging in the hard ground, I carried four backpack loads of rocks down to the site. I should have lifted more weights before this field trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_DgNWFoJ5GTEGxMixMklSaPfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8TS4EK1eVDydYXBemjTauVZrLIphU04LfDSwle1iVaRDdv-kPfNlf8QwqI7mCD05l5VVmIam_HAlSamZKTg2-58Eg_E4V-4WdmC0L0WcbExuJ9WuG0IW6Fd_LOCAQ0EMjdfkX4Rl0VVR/s288/100_2525.JPG" width="288" /></a> </center><br />
<br />
When I tested the ELF coil in my lab, the coil, data receiver, and acquisition system all worked perfectly. Somewhere between Durham and Fairbanks, something happened. The data receiver's automatic gain controller has started going crazy. It will turn on to full strength, slowing drop to zero, then quickly go back to full. It repeats this for as long as I have the system turned on. I have much less experience with the ELF systems than the ULF, so trying to troubleshoot this problem has been much more of an issue.<br />
<br />
My last objective up here has been to image aurora. Problem 1: The controller sent by Fed-Ex has still not arrived. I'm told it is to be here tomorrow. Problem 2: It has been crazy cloudy the entire time I have been here. Problem 3 and probably the biggest: there has been little aurora activity. Heh, I just checked the plots for the solar wind and <a href="http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/rt_plots/mag_3d.html">magnetic field</a> measurements and it looks like tonight would be a good night for the aurora. When the blue line dips below about 50 nT and the magnetic field is negative, that is an indication activity should be happening soon. I wish I had the controller! It is also supposed to be the clearest night this week!<br />
<br />
Alaska is kind of a funny place. It seems like people really like living here. I almost feel like I am back in Texas for all the pride that is shown. There are electrical cords sticking out the front of everyone's car to keep them warm during the winter.<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dz4KqMaQjD-DFCZyqsX1xKPfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxCXNk5pqTSUNFgOLOw4CRbhhkvfnmbgUsophiso4VnvbbXN6-zSBbDEbewoubSmVK7gVkasrxmY7gRzi-wAO0eNk8ZFMbO7fhY05xp3Y9Q5dmijWtvIaH2V03hw2PHgLIs2JOmHGqj9x/s288/100_2425.JPG" height="216" width="288" /></a><br />
</center><br />
<br />
It seems like I just missed the fall. Bare trees were everywhere, there is a winter crispness in the air, and I heard there was snow flurries last week. I'm glad the ground hadn't frozen quite yet, as I was still able to dig a hole for my ELF coils.<br />
<br />
It has been really nice not being up here by myself. The two guys from Dartmouth, David and Matt, have been great to hang out with. David has much more electrical knowledge then I ever will have and has been great to ask for troubleshooting advice.<br />
<br />
This morning I felt a little under the weather, but a couple cups of tea and trying to stay inside for most of the day, I think has helped keep the cold at bay. I can be sick Saturday, but this week, I have things to do!<br />
<br />
<center> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mZiusiB-lliRKDyShwCjwaPfgohEVdjUxpGEz8LThFo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrvH4CG_sq2BVnNUkRcwA1B2tadGA1T6tXf7ZG2OkliiKS33yWcfHq8FsJMhiOEG_xr2mGaTtBjoqRVzMR_lcz8pbnhwgJQ5fVPZ5OmmW9E1C-MCbMGihJ8y7JZiR-HabkQnStY_KUrh5/s400/100_2471.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> </center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-73485409576338594282010-09-28T14:57:00.001-04:002010-10-31T13:11:41.358-04:00Alaska Bound!This Thursday, I will be flying to Alaska. For this trip, I have three objectives. The <a href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/POK/20100925_000000_240000_P.jpg">ULF coils</a> at <a href="http://www.pfrr.alaska.edu/">Poker Flat</a> are having the same type of noise as the ones in Ny-Alesund had this summer. We think it is probably the main sensor cable that was cut during brush clearing earlier this summer. I will also be changing out the data acquisition system. There is a specific type of aurora called pulsating aurora which pulsates around 7 Hz. We want to determine if there is a ground signature from the aurora. Our current DAQ samples at 10 Hz, which with a nyquist frequency means that events in the less than 5 Hz range will be observed. The new DAQ samples at 40 Hz, putting the nyquist at 20 Hz and the 7 Hz is well within observable parameters.<br />
<br />
My next objective is to install an ELF system. The ULF coils (ultra low frequency) generally measure pulsations to only a few Hz. The ELF coil (extremely low frequency) will measure pulsations in the range of 10 - 250 hertz. I spent last week testing the coil and contending with the ever present 60 Hz. Hopefully when I am in a less electromagnetic saturated environment, I will be able to turn off the active 60 Hz filter and the noise it creates.<br />
<br />
My last objective is to take images of the aurora. It will be the first time I have seen aurora. The sun appears pretty active <a href="http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/eit_195/512/">right now</a> with a coronal hole and two active regions. I am hoping to image a substorm. A substorm generally occurs when the magnetic tail of the earth is stretched to the point of "breaking" and the released energy and particles flow from the tail back towards the earth. The energetic particles will then interact with the ionosphere causing the aurora, roughly speaking.<br />
<br />
I am excited to not be going alone this time. Two guys from Dartmouth College will also be at Poker repairing their instruments. It'll be good to have other people around.<br />
<br />
I'll be updating as interesting things happen, or when interesting things should be happening, but aren't.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-87777269075226563092010-07-26T12:12:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.125-04:00Home Again!I made it home on Friday 23 June. The flights back held no problems. I was grilled by border agents over my business in Norway and what exactly the magnetosphere is, but I made it through without being detained.<br /><br />This blog will remain dormant until my next adventure, but I hope you will return when the excitement ensues!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-61892347398107605762010-07-22T13:38:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.125-04:00Last night in LongyearbyenTomorrow early morning (0300), the bus comes to pick up all the passengers for the 0450 flight out of Longyearbyen. I have enjoyed my time here and hopefully I can return in the future!<br /><br />Yesterday I contacted a professor at UNIS because he works closely with my advisor. He told me that if I wanted, I could accompany him up to the EISCAT radar dishes up on the mountain because they would be performing an experiment today. Why, yes I would love to come!<br /><br />We went up the mountain (close to where my Longyearbyen coils are located). There are two <a href="http://eiscat.se/">EISCAT </a> incoherent scattering radar dishes and <a href="http://ion.le.ac.uk/spear/">SPEAR </a>a radar heating array. The scattering radar detects properties about the electrons in the ionosphere - density, velocity, and temperature - which is mainly used to tell us things about aurora, but can also be useful when looking at the physics behind PiC pulsations and ducting of the PiC waves through the ionosphere.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oyRzQZIQdKfqI0h3LkvOBFn-8KdMx7V4veWJG5Z4WOI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE-Lx2g4EqJuFmV4CA4vF6h19kLRidYcz1DN9_JDz5VaXngD0143IGwrVIJF91ELvZvf-CbA9hkyI3MrsJ3ZeAp0eUbQGuS1c8pQGAOEqr7o2n8A6clcy_A8cyg0r4iuoHSmiEoYwiTwc/s400/100_2030.JPG" /></a> <br />The 32m dish. It is able to rotate and follow whatever interesting event is chosen.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5NUDxRL-J5poCU2PKY96vln-8KdMx7V4veWJG5Z4WOI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7-0g3zz-sPBQAomweG71yQxc-88Cin_8vZc0B6RW875HirwELjIzkpIk7dUWgNp_Ygb1xeYI3Yp2yqTDv0ZOLgUu2_Js6l5OHK0MaBvLP25HZK1MikA63Urf7wj3E5oaAzf60NvtE2kQ/s400/100_2031.JPG" /></a> <br />The 42m dish is fixed. It is aligned along a magnetic field line.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tAdsfkwJs26JPOe1iMSAcln-8KdMx7V4veWJG5Z4WOI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibef2ALkDW7AGhVHhQWidvhVW5wfs2wId0G_6ipJYWMwKeQnD3zCAF3VzBwj8LTrRkIjl_9PYmcQOZ-ec9GzYRCLW9K3oogBu7Z_Cp5MLyDrdCAjq1nAb-M1WmQUGodHzfh4uQ6PoU2-WF/s400/100_2036.JPG" /></a> <br />The SPEAR radar heating array. It was recently restarted after a two year no funding hiatus.</center><br /><br />SPEAR uses certain frequencies to create waves in the ionosphere. It does not have enough power to create aurora, but it can cause ULF waves which are detected by the magnetometers. SPEAR only has a certain number of frequencies it can utilize so as to not interfere with other communication frequencies. This poses a problem such as today the ionosphere was right below 4 MHz, but the lowest frequency we could use was 4.5 MHz which means SPEAR could not interact with the ionosphere. The radar it was sending up had too much power and was blowing right on through. It is a 'goldielocks' situation. The plasma of the ionosphere has to be just right or no interaction happens.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bgYlTPOErxjDJCxV04KUoln-8KdMx7V4veWJG5Z4WOI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VmHfplO2GwCPJMx8qzX50P4UJp8GFD489kqPtN6atPMC8yjwfKvamVbNAJENcqvLHhzVnNIfy-vBEG2K-OYZUf8MFWsjJYAG3ITfoKkgu0Rv-cIZ7ZpsHHEWDgBl0intbCVRUOsQE9UG/s400/100_2028.JPG" /></a> <br />We do science! By that it means - they look at computer screens and hope that everything works. If a piece of equipment does not work, then we hit it with a hammer and hope that everything works.</center><br /><br />Thus ends my Svalbard travels! I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, looking after my garden, and getting fresh vegetables. Hurrah for a successful trip!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-28558440833677164712010-07-20T15:10:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.125-04:00Isfjord RadioI meant to link to The Oatmeal yesterday with his piece about riding <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/polar_bear">Polar Bears</a>. Polar bears are scary. Below are pictures of a polar bear hanging out around the buildings of Isfjord Radio.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/flm1AHBjs_aeJum5Q8qjLRsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQksIAryQq08zAbpiAEzSJSbYOgq-ZaoB5yY25qeA9tobkOErM55D5kwTzd331VR51i3FUd9ep-pMg_m5mhW4KeXD5SQSFaHGfOgsU42RlVkdZ9TFfM-xIbNhtYU0BLP1DLjrh0xoeeD1d/s288/100_1902.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4KN2TiffyC6M3u5z3M5vqRsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVbBJ8MD69SJLPlJ1rMXh0RoTsuRJZDb8sWSTeLijiuqSfxw5KkOwTd85Z0WiS7S3rJucHGx_vCwKGEbGpEjCYOfI0RGyvkcsRDjLl46DyAJ6C173Tfado2HSUyQios_TyvG3wQMnmrds/s288/100_1905.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I went out to look at my coils accompanied by someone with a gun and a bird stick. The terns did not give us too much trouble. The coils were still buried and not posing any problems.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aIFSE_NLss0qnbrl1uRZARsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYwoSKfNur1XlfjqDoYAaDNEuDE2fwAQ1IVyiiI85wLuoa09HzJDRWNsQEETAJESAOzxV4F8uTDP7MBwzOdq2oc-85DYvqRE8z4iGkGDkxhvlVUWXqzgDyLAR_2rYeJ5zxVarXgd-tLAn/s288/100_1891.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I was unable to set up an internet connection for our system. We are going to ask someone from UNIS to download the data for us from time to time so we don't have to go out every year. Since I downloaded the data and it looked great, the coils were good, and I couldn't do anything about the internet, I caught the boat going back to Longyearbyen today instead of Friday.<br /><br />On the boat ride, we took a detour and went to see a glacier up close. While we were taking pictures part of the glacier collapsed. The guide drove the boat away quickly in case the part breaking away caused a large wave (not too big) or came for us (did not happen). It was pretty amazing to see the glacier up close and personal. Apparently the glaciers on Svalbard 'surge' and recede. The glaciers are frozen to the ground on the bottom and therefore can't move. Each winter more snow piles on top than what melts during the summer. Eventually, the glacier can't take all the weight and it surges forward. The friction caused by the glacier moving along the ground causes it to melt and be proceeded by a large amount of water. The surging can reach speeds of 25 m / day, but usually is much lower than that. Eventually the glacier is thin enough and it refreezes to the ground to begin the process again.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_heUq5wzLPfQDE5ae7H1PxsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3tW86twPFmzHUnahw82zEVfLBWmWSoucKLPoEFRNDio8_11tsMckMNpr60YrACjtvygN4T0JTXOLDUBs2jh38Z6sv0_wdOHSO3a4wJna6Y11pSy8DC0fwNuYuMAwphV7mGP0iXGfQASp/s400/100_1923.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bmnvCx1SDlAVGK7dMsZyEBsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVy6Ynd6M8mEvoBOgqNGIYsEBWHlyZkbIqwBUZwGmfqhkc06YTLxvQruAnKaj135wdXVuXryIubqEWzzKJcPcRxIigOw225XfhI1iTMQri9P0HJbmrR1IV68pKlI1dmRzYTOAqMzOln6m/s288/100_1960.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qOsq5yxCXBB3XDiFb2isXhsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFx1wVsBaP9TXIRahkx_FJTRFDcwGc_geFyU6UKp5tfpydxpsMtN2JcDIIiSmFLGU5_OiHBA-QDKvjDdnfcoy0ruaUfWXqgJ_CQ3NLUz1sya-eeXQ1Tpt5P-LlHjKz-3NtjgxdIo2mV3s/s288/100_1946.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Take note of the outcropping on the left:<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/llreK8ZmZ-hZO_L8o3ERARsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIbJffulSsiEY3NVfFrginxCpQDc1EMrFg-f4KmB4Hmh8lGwPyOjM8AHDitOuQ_JKGr9S9-DBL702odVOiWP5PSBY2H-YQGXxVuVWfFdT6StIlNlhXzlP7VvsjggLIt4hQ9kRFTNTkXmB/s400/100_1983.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />Know what you no longer see?<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jTI2jUzHLaeSWK8gU-dB1BsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hv2LkLi6_FrkGff02tEBgmfHr7YQ9z8GT6OOZqE2wNEBI4UIkyiXHZri17hAiPo2f4SglOSBtt2GGU2X6_P34Bgpm7qmmpACiMGbsa0kFAFEC_A12x0WvBIp5J8EXbE6TIHmr4EDbqnu/s400/100_1995.JPG" /></a></center><br />The outcropping is not there. There was a couple of spurts of water coming out from underneath it directly before collapsing. It was amazing.<br /><br /><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qc2qvB0zHxFqq1WNhQbmbBsfmE0oMIs85i0p65XQ7JM?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKClVvgCJ6iFmlJHY-es9jOpMB3rX7HSVG6VVPQw9wRyg0HK5iirucn22mxc8-8I-6syKdM0B7qYiriAS91xcD-AhmMJNTSFx2BNmvKG66rAcroB5IlaLx99pMrhVGefRfRG_S97o8civu/s400/100_1910.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/source.decay/20100720?authkey=Gv1sRgCLLb2sLVk8eu7gE&feat=embedwebsite">2010-07-20</a></td></tr></table></center><br /><br />Maybe I'll be back sometime in the coming years. Or not, but I was really grateful for the opportunity to come out and do this field work! It was great. I am now trying to find a flight home sooner than next Monday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-27152545837606714662010-07-19T16:21:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.126-04:00Isfjord RadioI have now made it to the farthest western settlement of Svalbard. In order to arrive here, I had to travel by open boat for 2.5 hours. We were given survival suits which is a bright orange water proof/wind proof suit with built in rubber boots. We were also given big warm hats, gloves, and ski goggles. When I arrived, I thought I was not going to be able to have feeling in my toes ever again. Riding close to a river that flows into the Bering Sea / Arctic Ocean is really really cold.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XuhCG9l0s47GabfNPfXTAheQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS4H1iBFTU2STLGW4Dm3aU3oQSIQPsEhERjssxo3uoRLUoGC76eKlvdn-FNuw0tb37sKkpJG3Q1pz2SuLaeSJbzvps4gwoEf-GW6AxEeY_lr00UpUG-nle6F-g25lNNZcosY5WFnOMUtP/s288/100_1856.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-AqcNNsIWr29v2IMO62CRxeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaGXtUCPigjAL9nYpoRON4EOzC7GAyDM1LuNdIhJXkxdN-mc-CLSaqrrvMQLOCHLy_syvjegsKZVyEyBBzVKMUptBv1Li6d93fCMq6eH6StuxJHVoMXFVV6xXTcZEpVCNo5E8TV9yzmcY/s288/100_1861.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It was also really beautiful. There is a set of cliffs the sea birds have inhabited and they, shall we say, fertilize the cliffs so it is the only place around with greenery.<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BugyUygRbDZ00vRqubke9xeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhF0a0FpPsg6kuNnFb3tN6qz4kWa0AOFB6NPocoLJNBlniarf-rZdiHN5fogA3S6lUEUkP2Cry-VCefsGd6e66U3TAQSWf1YdfMXScgV3L2a2YcJiYDKSIRkpw5c9X9mYm9N7RjaGnzcN/s400/100_1844.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />The Russians used to mine coal along this coast until the 1960s. There is still evidence of their settlements. There is a law in Svalbard that any sign of human activity on the island before 1945 is not to be disturbed - they are cultural monuments. <br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SzxzqqKKdotCHgpuhojRaheQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa_VJV59fK7aky34UVfmLIBTl-yjL7A6JsECbpEG3tnivN2TKmE6vlBeqJqBLFeQwAXzluEAq3aF6dzzgyrG1YrUXwM3dojF0y7ecw__3pL7AeW2i6ek6kb_upYYW5OjqcDHWp21nxGI0/s288/100_1851.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dIgB33Uvj6JsROoxC0hQrheQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIryWxaQNUBUwwn1JQq1sCI4qXGPHDlblHvFvODfj6iwUhduSmd-CuLRzeC7sHbL0jfZD8atyKcn1jduhcd2vTxJGDdCP4zcWhqxnYo6M5DXr1adCyldxqtsQn8nWRxrTPylwZvLkzaLd2/s288/100_1865.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I had no idea how many birds come up for the short arctic summers. It was amazing to see birds match pace with our boat as we rode through the fjord.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xHednNjC1CxJ6Aae_Nt3OBeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eZHKzB6RD6jEjcl0FHsxYMPeMOJS6A5kAh2q95YsVsLbq-ExZqRe_QUTCXCY3A25oWMvSQ6BFpBXIrpSZHxRudoYGnEzAaj2hWucBd16VOcdysZaZ9TESd41IXsE823rr3orOJPrcyTy/s288/100_1874.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wrrNZ7h5Lfk1gXxYfLhY_ReQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXJcN12O4wrFjCQLxPFq6tAQ9HP0tsl2C6-QsZ-PNXYFbLa4DuTIo2AHXPY4IfKdoQbrB6KwopJQ1n4cer9Tilc1scHhx9SV00IETHIMHFKSUhQ2DathafJPbI9MiGmEP-atFBK1WvZBV/s288/100_1848.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So, yes, yes the ride was beautiful and cold. But why am I here? We do not have a static IP address set up for our system out here. That means we cannot automatically download data everyday. We have no idea how the system is doing until we go out and check on it. I am here to download the data as well as to try and set up an internet connection of some sort.<br /><br />Our data acquisition system resides in the closet of the 'honeymoon suite'. It is a cabin about 100 feet away from the the main building. <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zR63gCeYFPuO3EXLWg-RYBeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHypZtl8QxNk-Oz317NRw9r1fXvCmVL9jbt_HxgAb2aNhgkdWTMoAbG5uWhzLzvCBSsF79q3RW8Ph6ISJEzAMLjg1rSfSzN7afTv66tDwqXP-DbymG4s0ypd_kW1AoFJgXXaxAocNWkM1z/s288/100_1879.JPG" /></a></center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jQf3XdJ3YQGFeWzfk0zs5heQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtTavzWp1BMYOu3sJV3w4X1XIs40T2nRuK33KpGwBeMgvrx46bKOI-CTIU62o65qLYb_DUve7KOHmlHzF4eX-u8lWOsjkH-ayJUiTfrwhzfgLkLyW29j_V9KtURbjcF4lvqH4fVAiblB6/s288/100_1880.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0llKH7rqaEswYRl3b1e7tReQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMmuQPK98IUL1Mfa-iRbm2woKu066vaYLJRz9rpazVIoTiVZ8rolf74zOYwgouafS1Z8v_bFstPSuTUHCq0APsu6OHPwX7jlLMSSvaxcdtoIX2cF3QZsJ2FZAqb8JEKexa9OW0FqklluO/s288/100_1881.JPG" /></a><br /><br />When I went to check on the system, it appeared that everything was functioning normally and that I might not have to do any hardware manipulation. Yay! The plots below show the Isfjord Radio station as compared to Longyearbyen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/LYR/20100717_000000_240000_L.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 373px;" src="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/LYR/20100717_000000_240000_L.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/ISR/20100717_000000_240000_R.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 373px;" src="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/ISR/20100717_000000_240000_R.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Longyearbyen is on the left and Isfjord Radio on the right. The plots are quite similar, with a little bit of noise on the ISR one. It appears that the coils are working just fine and my main mission is to try and come up with a way to get the data to us regularly. The cabin where the acquisition system is located does not have ethernet or wireless internet. Tomorrow is the day to figure out the best option for getting the data from one place to another. The future is pretty cool. I can get into a system halfway across the world, but only if that system has a wire connecting it to the wall. How limited I am by this!<br /><br />One last thing, this evening after dinner, I was getting ready to go out and take a picture of our coils. I had my bird stick and hard hat (the arctic terns are fiercely defending nests here as well!), when I heard a commotion from the lounge area. Everyone was gathered by the windows and they beckoned me to look out. There was a polar bear walking nigh 200 feet from the main building!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gj8x3rZfK1HD93f9V4jCsBeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygJp0l66Ok95zg3UxGdNUudGz1B1787aOYvv6LzBxe_Miq9ufXpB0IDI8WJ3JJauXKbMqYoh63Nf4qaTRKFzzntC6xSbYce2NC4haeqiw_u0mpJOsMCDQBwDUDRb7pLDnSIbefKp0n0rz/s288/100_1886.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HgAOIWA9ORGOfqnWSGjQ1ReQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3-yNPpKDweLiu_uw0YacQ1mUmN0j7F-gK5w9Qkm61K4Ibu-3rFtVMTrAAD29EAQZdFqLSXld-BsxfL4bGEMDMXM17ri3nWo9-YLVDwzWiXgS-uz_StFwrmHHFlHWZZHs96m3t_R1MS2j/s288/100_1884.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_GWNxW55KgOAc4E1TyIubBeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3vbGlV107ysOfPBSTF6kpOkS3vlU2NPm8_crtRKEG2POPKNeuHmbygHVLiJYTUMHnJTPbyIMsAfxJfpWDzmzVYdV-AkQ0bE-I4bUdinKEaJgVxRfNK35MoodMTgWZ4yXwbV2ecP1kH0I/s288/100_1888.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hqBRkYh4dFMtyJcMHSXPcxeQbpJ9RfnTlg6--n7s-SY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6WQNXIo2odH_IVxFp6aEK9it7svEEpfGv3cyS8E0gNVbUSjgIAb4g7SUAUK22n5hLkCMgTNIJ3eM0cTbxCLf_RkIt3DxeOdUteOgm4bMIvAIfT-yHUAlkFKsxIPYbI5a2XZPt1t8_EV6/s288/100_1882.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Needless to say, I did not go out and check on my coils. I am going to try and stay inside as much as possible over my remaining days here. I was told that I should not travel the 100 feet to the house where my acquisition system is without a gun. I have never shot a gun before! I believe they are going to equip me with a flare gun if I need to go out again. I also hope that I can persuade someone to accompany me. It turns out that polar bears are real.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-90280597549002950082010-07-16T06:04:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.126-04:00Longyearbyen, againI installed the new system at Ny-Alesund and I was worried about the noise. Yesterday, I was in a rush to finish covering the system with dirt, get the new junction box in place, and figure out what was causing the noise in one of the axes. I was freaking out a little bit because that morning I had noise in both of my axes!<br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N0jgnfCeTAB8wl3nv8tVoMR8HlQj7u9bvsuwXbLcSM8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN66xPUajq8s5zsGBtKrvsUJfHFR0wv-KK689fZhB0sUd6A87TQSa3jqSg7Lel5ra6VXiqnPliOEMHmWJUproPGErE6cTMRSl_Nicf-EzeMEK2WnNcn2yUvcPd6EZUjEttITmIO5AoPdr1/s288/100_1625.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XP7r6gn_UKe0iaxLJp6htMR8HlQj7u9bvsuwXbLcSM8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdHo4DjK-5k-D5pAfUaL0jnWrMW4g2zSk7gRtbqykWX8tecyEt6RLScu39AGswFw6XbqRIlMxlGauqXwAAfXfmU8Mjvx8wLEcj5Rn1OAoi8OrjeSgtwjg82MzXIU9mVNzD8PPxyHLOy0C/s288/100_1628.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It appears the magnetosphere was active and I was interpreting an event for noise.</center><br /><br /><center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/LYR/20100715_000000_240000_L.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 373px;" src="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/LYR/20100715_000000_240000_L.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/NAL/20100715_000000_240000_N.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 373px;" src="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/ULF/data_plot/NAL/20100715_000000_240000_N.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The left plot is from Longyearbyen and the right is Ny-Alesund. You can see on the Longyearbyen plot how "noisy" the magnetosphere was being during all the times I was trying to test my system. The two stations picked up the same event around 12:00UT. There is no y-axis reading on the Ny-Alesund plot because we are currently reading that coil in through the z-axis and will need to do some software changes.</center><br /><br />So it was not a loss! Hurrah! I really enjoyed being in Ny-Alesund. I was surrounded by scientists for days. Granted most of them were biologists, but I can forgive them. The people at the Norwegian Polar Institute, where my instrument was located, were very helpful. It would not have been half as successful without their assistance. Thank you!<br /><br />The 30 minute flight to and from Ny-Alesund is the most beautiful I have ever seen. It is too bad that I did not have my camera on me when we flew up, but I was sure to have it on the way back.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DzTjjxZzp60OcFyi0gapZWVkXHXhi1hVfNFzHYbUF0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4el3P-hb-k7ZwFw-o68ylPbNukp8NlKDcNHi8FqCfhbmWnScbie2KR7-1WH8ZkEi1pmABLOeJ930vtj7qIxUeUmSQzbSM4YH6kgbHHjgoBMfjrbhOOhVA8AWh1YOVDSx3JxmcZ5SOAUS/s400/100_1311.JPG" /></a><br />The 14 passenger prop plane was surprisingly free of turbulence except for bumby landings.</center><br /><br />The view out my window:<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wm_SrBC5f1P1U2WBiFvxR8R8HlQj7u9bvsuwXbLcSM8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ7mEhomziQ_ILQBL3DHUM44zqyf1hmU8Py45RM7_xqZcXCc0L00BCKaaXTi7vkdIfdzRyxTHyBn0OPGK2lGtdEG8R3TqesKwONm8qV3GW3V8W1jIGHJkgOi74T4u3mETdQ3kxRhQnpxB/s288/100_1662.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M5OnUOYYiNlmFfjmmvCXV8R8HlQj7u9bvsuwXbLcSM8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdd5Mp6-cv6BInHivNKWNePHllvc2OMyYBte03Tikufobg8p89-HvX0ZxoRgzLgOk71jkRGBiMO_4ic2Cg4AIRqD8DMMvFloZCqfjPY9dIhdsqI0djq38bSCFj9ugFinCYA8wekrSd7M1/s288/100_1668.JPG" /></a></center><br /><p align = "right">was different than the one on the other side. There was much less snow and the rocks were a different color.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/254eBbtFowlsuAXl6YCgVMR8HlQj7u9bvsuwXbLcSM8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94xI7Z4MsuXWLJr42PJNXH4DA3VpXO9MB8FqS0sJY-shbr9Sq7yYnQEKE4ygUKiF6PVyuaUNKShuohnoTapk80AOrlD9b3serNUsC5duyUa6Dv1CAyzSR7jz-F5bUutqn_73RsQojsf_N/s288/100_1670.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6BQJMz_hSRPZJzCVGFrWQMR8HlQj7u9bvsuwXbLcSM8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcnfdeHBQwX1jBNO1bYE2Abzw_pJIpCa2jBnvYc7I-w0Czachp49FBZbnwABcrmQw0snZFjphpN56GKEdT2RyTHwgMobHxfTLpfVTi9lYy53SKFAq7eeORjHmUPkpwNlrhVGjyJI2s-OH/s288/100_1679.JPG" /></a><br />Snow! Everywhere! It looks deep!</center><br /><br />I even made a short video. I didn't take the out the sound of the prop plane, so I would recommend muting the video or your speakers before viewing. This does not show a tenth of the beautiful land flown over.<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P3CLu9ofcGU&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P3CLu9ofcGU&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br /><br />I am now in Longyearbyen until Monday when I take off for five days to Isfjord Radio. Hmm, what to do here for three days? I'm going to see the <a href="http://www.lokalstyre.no/Modules/theme.aspx?ObjectType=Article&ElementID=616&Category.ID=653">art museum</a> up by my room later today and maybe the <a href="http://www.spitsbergenairshipmuseum.com/">airship museum</a> as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-28257446775737207962010-07-14T05:02:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.126-04:00Last Ny-Alesund PostTomorrow I will be leaving Ny-Alesund. I was able to install the new coils, junction box, and sensor cables. We have been having a slight problem of one of the coils has a bunch of noise. It is the coil on the top, so we thought it might be due to wind or not being securely anchored down, but that has been eliminated. Today I will be changing out cables and/or a coil to see if we can get the noise out!<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J8eniEozKEoKFX_BMXyAlXoupMvC6A9alVY-OBWFqk4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kjoy3GsTDA3USA0RDxY3QTlhohfi5WT1zGmDKW33-w-ZJTv4nWDT20SMnZTIC3qt0SrXU3pJfgwvTbQhmNdiU3RRxisv0LFuKw7I67LJ6QyxTVOr52rv2a4AArdh9-er1wC4CkrGippN/s400/100_1509.JPG" /></a><br />My coils partially covered in dirt and rocks. </center><br /><br />Between the Polar Institute where I am working and my room (about a 3 minute walk), there are two nests of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_tern">Arctic Terns</a> on the ground. I haven't been dive bombed since last week, and have stopped carrying my bird stick to fend off attacks. I just find it interesting that the birds will make their nests right off of trafficked roads and not out in the bird preserves surrounding the settlement. Also, there are no trees. At all. None. After living in Oregon where there are trees everywhere it is a bit disconcerting. Wouldn't it be easier for predators to get at the nests when they are on the ground?<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/evieR2Urm0QPxB50aSyvNXoupMvC6A9alVY-OBWFqk4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhm2j4q19LNhmk4wO5wjbH0IfLy65DswEuTN_pJzmL8MMOh52YH1aSr2jw6km8OU51EzqQjdV2Edgu-PvJDweex8t0GOtgpSIBsctG87hGCKPOOtZi9ffQW4R8-15xQaYlDgzujV0sdaB/s400/100_1479.JPG" /></a><br />I finally got a picture of the terns dive bombing the resident Svalbard reindeer.</center><br /><br />Every day it seems, there is a cruise ship that makes a shore leave here in Ny-Alesund. I didn't really understand why, there is not much to see that cannot already be seen from the boat. I found out that Ny-Alesund is of historical value because it was the jumping off point for many explorers to go to the north pole. They have a bust for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Amundsen">Roald Amundsen</a>, the Norwegian explorer who was the first person to reach both the North and South poles.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3HEimP4tnq3xEzGW5aan4XoupMvC6A9alVY-OBWFqk4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlJY7KSDKVDxgLqA-JV4vck_1I98lSMGzOcFyRqBkLKKSLDN8WbZA632TpD-tn6Zu9dIzJyuJVxhfow11NqgJXqLb5qOavh51HZTN1QFQylN3ypVWv-DwXcT1N-yqTzZ1cnFmP2reAT1u/s400/100_1417.JPG" /></a> </center><br /><br />Have I mentioned how beautiful it is here?<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YpCPe3ZalnS9IO_s0-4FRnoupMvC6A9alVY-OBWFqk4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRukl2ZA9rRTI_f050YdcRbOhS3E0UPrkdB6YGMe57Q9a_AoxYESin87YbZuPDxUozM00WkM9Tzzi8zSjywsMcOIlcTylbj9k_txjbmtwlcZSG562w_9KSCgOb2fUipOrenhDK9C49Wjp/s400/100_1501.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3-Fabz8ZIBmXnE0KUBB1OnoupMvC6A9alVY-OBWFqk4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM89DYHQc8EhkstCO1_uOg_BybvqdLoKcsKPz7Xb9e0ZUxAwsvH3hJJk1MTHAII8ZIfSfCBRWb_Leuz82JpdzAP-As3ZNiyqZT4Alj4P3n7GEGPFOFaixXsOIE8OzIRbmpMpFTR-9b5IMF/s400/100_1414.JPG" /></a> </center><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kT0pWYLi7wL-1TpDLn0PI3oupMvC6A9alVY-OBWFqk4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvGe1rPhKSPaaqaqDS2q-Nt0mHk7flsUtb3NQU4UPgegj8egGwdT20VomkIAgjF9fmhdiAXbAS-uZ3-ZelWooOHWNmMVCYJLnBXqqmzRXU3fK1uC-pSybk_KBigYrCOClZQRncgAegt4S/s400/100_1514.JPG" /></a><br />A few geese and goslings looking for food. They were going right by one of the tern's nests without any trouble.</center><br /><br />I'm off to look at the noise in the coils. I need to get it all figured out today!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-37411180135629491172010-07-08T16:33:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:59:28.126-04:00Ny-ÅlesundI have finally made it to Ny-Ålesund, although with not the right package. I picked up a package from the SAS terminal that was addressed to the person we sent it to, but apparently he had at least two big packages coming for him from out of the country. The next plane does not arrive until Monday, so I'll send this one out and receive the proper one and spend the next four days troubleshooting.<br /><br />Goodbye, Longyearbyen! I'll see you in a week!<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eaRMpKW1sqJGXwv5POCSEmVkXHXhi1hVfNFzHYbUF0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HpOQPOKmTaIyBjcPDvFTgvJFYkGwp2Ofu5gZVIWFriIacG_9dCpquVQeP4Csn65vTW0MnDl5-jaypmnM54oOZhqf7uRR7WBtCerv5TiQQzzgN5KGmfZdN_g9hLygdBGtu1yepfN4Kc4C/s400/100_1300.JPG" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Hello Ny-Ålesund!<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c6W9-zYvMapeNCp63g3h5WVkXHXhi1hVfNFzHYbUF0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebCLn0qV5bktWGu7sLvta1HYoX-5GmK0JiCvMBL_PsykeZphZ8162SZEydTEnQm0vfAGmMkCUm39TZ0pqzs4W0WiNSbrX4cWN-zieT6TKlkXLAger_63qiXSxMUGnTfmwUMayOWwL-7uq/s400/100_1312.JPG" /></a></center><br /><br />I am here to completely replace our induction coil system. The signal we are receiving from the system makes it look like the coils are dead.<br /><br />This is bad and what we are currently receiving:<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ZAxrDqhpMwnc-3Mf0LF4rJBtAZnOSFYMdH-u1wN2Zk?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VTqyKnLzmfh_M5yvRFtpZJn7LYYkZ15jFSYfEmnC6kptpKt1Cj1VeyBwQnO5QA_b5u0rTw4ucG218e4MKSggUfJE1LhE2DezVrW5kaOEHzzRAe9VbKs8N8dkf2dTPgSLz7x4cbgeWnvv/s400/20100706_000000_240000_N.jpg" /></a> </center><br /><br />This is good and what we are receiving in Longyearbyen:<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ExhZWrQT4x_O_mfMC_z12rJBtAZnOSFYMdH-u1wN2Zk?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVpY1WoJ2k-gxcDD5-g6tV5I_qSzspqbk9ZESpvAfOglUrVbsIZnLN2VujgnIZRJ-yEsU9PHRYjfRs2tYwsViHoRPY_P2EhU-i2uLXmbqkzVzrAR58ZRxDEP-53WLMQXtPYuslisXflH2/s400/20100703_000000_240000_L.jpg" /></a> </center><br /><br />As a side note, you can notice the Pi1B events in the Longyearbyen plot. Pulsations, irregular, 0-40s period, bursty. (Yes, bursty is a technical term.) The Pi1B pulsations are what I will study for my Ph.D thesis. It is a disturbance in the magnetic field caused by any number of things: substorms, fast flows of plasma without a substorm, a disturbance in the force, etc.<br /><br />Without my package you might think that I don't have a lot to do, but I do! I am troubleshooting our system to see why it failed. Today I did a visual examination of the coils.<br /><br />I found this:<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0DPxlcvFwsCrEPEcDS1_yWVkXHXhi1hVfNFzHYbUF0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLtMKHyl-rt_-L8YM1mxMloUe8uRCY3WNCGG1DEj0OhbrRfHHnENtpXP3svo4eWMb4SdsoeInEADQCV1vfIc3vTjllK3LywnDokSCRkOubeE778quk2o-iof3hoEn5aA6MlGSHABmJRj-/s400/100_1324.JPG" /></a> </center><br /><br />When it should look more like this: (Longyearbyen)<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4fY2v-ufUKogbPEithNrvnmIP4oeFKLVeuPgFg86XhI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPyskADi0rPlxUxiFyMw1uiwoFbVQfJ21EkWtbJfJFeCf4xXL5JvgY_5vuCJ3LXJSZX82l-b6wDa1Gmx9o7es1vrzeDfVjGjGI05BkWlsjaheRrO5pV4v35EdfJ59RWAqUTI59uuryK7g/s400/100_1213.JPG" /></a> </center><br /><br />Nothing showing, no way for water or anything else to get in.<br /><br />The arctic winters are harsh and the rocks and dirt placed last year could have been swept all away, so this time, we are trying to make sure nothing of the sort happens. Because when water gets in, we get corrosion.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9u__oaTUnn2W_GkfS9f-hWVkXHXhi1hVfNFzHYbUF0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt89xjyRqAdHFb3iEKUfb9ZaERYMS6-Oj0965RzBhOjQdZztHRfWwjmH2-BVkSNq80-Fm6TrQ8kyune1ACmFpO6_EIUKqLuXOS-SlIcVZcXEGtJUV3-T3NoBQhaLcjMbGzvGdMTu7DHIQb/s400/100_1340.JPG" /></a> </center><br /><br />And water does not play well with electronics:<br /><center><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o-BlnMsr9eqc1KfT7Uol6GVkXHXhi1hVfNFzHYbUF0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXVOC71pciKkyupyGJfCYy72Wx25bGjufQYymOqXrF_z05sDaVwmZ78t5xS-Ox7RJT6p6eAJ75R7IG09X8VIZc0AvlQAzF6qEizxUG8wR6TdEwBbIs0viY0SsnP85wHDWw2ukM0DSbYe8/s400/100_1355.JPG" /></a> </center><br /><br />These are pictures of the junction box which carries the signal from the two coils to the data acquisition system. The two coils are aligned to the magnetic field. One is pointed north-south and the other east-west. I have a super awesome compass to properly align the coils. Since the pulsations and waves we are interested in travel down the magnetic field lines, we want to be in the best position to pick up any signal.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I am going to try and find a new tarp to place over the coils. As well as examine the coils themselves for corrosion, water leakage, or any other damage.<br /><br />I have a hard time going to bed at a decent hour. With it being light outside, my body does not think it is time for bed. Thank goodness for heavy curtains.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-72965434828352403982010-07-06T10:55:00.000-04:002010-07-06T11:31:00.308-04:00Longyearbyen Science!Today was the first day I actually saw the sun. The past three days have been overcast and dreary, but today dawned bright and beautiful. I woke up at 4:30 and decided to go for a run around 5:00. I was able to see the sun 'rise' from behind some of the hills while I went up to the northernmost church and sundial. I didn't have my camera with me then, but I'll go up later this evening to get some pictures. It is quite breathtaking here when I can actually see everything. I can see why so many tourists come to visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/20QMnr9bepo8PcTUV8YNrWfkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAvSrqsHARohjt8kih0fuNit4MoNE_zSz0FI-Z4oaVD_VsbcwKgvypRGWqzbcmdbjxtGeaA2WNoDBOnJGn28Zvc_AjnD5X6qG6IPqMNb7U9Vb3YhoW3_9NZe7t3PAwfaMr6_zsZTf0xEw/s400/100_1167.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I went up to attend to the Longyearbyen coil system today. I met Fred Sigernes at UNIS and we drove up the mountain to the aurora station. He didn't know if we would be able to make it all the way up in the car, but we decided to try. We made it past the mine that mines all the coal for the local power plant, we made it by the incoherent scatter radar used for aurora studies, and we made it past two cars of tourists who crossed a road closed sign before the snow was too deep to go in the car. (The locals who are here to work for UNIS dessert the island in the summer when all the tourists arrive. The locals who leave are called Svalbard Indians because they are nomadic.) Instead, we drove this up:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oK86pHIGIMo2jxzn5B46f2fkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0DfUYFKxFL0F9UvvOM61iKC7_cZObCokJ5Yrefqcd7Ug19HwoHrA7jC1xyBxpQieRWShyf4GCdd_dxL2J8rkosCV3Fch_2ZgjMhzJ8z0ycvU2Xab7dtYJuA4CiTAQGqRz_cOza9wHBb3/s400/100_1212.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I didn't quite catch the Norwegian name for it, but I called it the indestructible military buggy thing. Take that snow, take that holes in the road, we have THIS thing to get us up the mountain. And up we did go.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/19sXOQBn3qwlXVHLrF7DAWfkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcPZ3WTPGhiFlYk9av4qZVhbqvmRNDTi1iPnUwk77H_LZQ625vEQmgZx9QZlee967fSMScSBMMx-JFN0ODMdchITz0GSqdK19RQpTIAKsZeYTQ7Naxw1SDcPihT_0YmEaerZjnzLbjz3D/s400/100_1177.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Beautiful!<br /><br />The system is Longyearbyen had a battery that died. Which means that every time the system restarted, the system date was reset to 1 Jan 1999. We pull the system date for the file names, so this has been a problem, with a work around, but it would be nice if the battery could be replaced. Which I did, with my mad soldering skillz.<br /><br />Old Battery:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Loomenou9drg_dK0P8I4SGfkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkA_uS4kjqlddOJ6rrD4VXHWK3uOhVI-g-OTN1XuCd4Mkbfj1Ydl4zVCDGH__adm-DfZK_CHCZYOiPsqGplr6-OEkTgmZ-_LxdxSu2x-nI6Y5xTrdDQW35iKXVe9Nab68kUOSY9cLzcI8C/s400/100_1195.JPG" /></a><br /><br />New Battery:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L_GNQ_bi9Eop5435zZu8QmfkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G1-DKy34DCKY8eEXog_ouxcxnl9eItcnezMhj2464bEh5ifg1j0FYRZI86Le_upgdTn6cpgw4iX3lk3hmSta8QRnuqrfbiIuhCpZpwCoMICCiglGQUdKQ_f_SwU63VtONFUi34L8Wq7_/s400/100_1202.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There is a superficial mark on the side from where I had a squeezed it with the crescent wrench to hold in place while I soldered.<br /><br />I am a sucker for the macro shot of just about anything.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/umEHHQ9wjUpF2IkobHQG42fkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA3nboa30lpFw24R58jmCTsKpcaOdp2Olu6RW0OASFIoPuP0bHhYH97-yM3lIY05GGk85XJz6FvKG945wFzFWKvQ5dBD-rJGcDYev9Yby8UZEUuK5uwWg6FdDN0kh2pmAngt7e9QW_YC6/s400/100_1191.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I was freaked out about halfway through when I saw this:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mQdPdt_-cmL4jzLimyZSoGfkQsoOZ-I_zytwkBmCDwo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSoZqgaNQMIW7u-m-TB0QZJ1zMJU320lDuZV3aoy47Hi_Zey6BL5iSHi1HMdp-7gbcsG6Ahu5YJ0rc5dWVTHP2S5fll_JdVWrGgAk3sXB9f9hXTAqSvJuIqhM9Gxt1yaydN97o4xmiExe/s400/100_1200.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I thought the power had been turned back on somehow despite everything being unplugged, but it was the directional lamp I was using that lit up the buttons. Whew!<br /><br />It appears that everything is function again. Hopefully changing the battery fixed our issue. We will see when the system resets tomorrow.<br /><br />I don't think that I mentioned that it is expected for everyone to remove their shoes when entering hotels, university, museums, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ftUNWQKv7imZM5rqDf9ne1CsPNJMaU0YHCiQ-riQQRU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJNpZNBkg3u2wmsJaKdNOmdwvHC2cf9u6NFNWrLtAL18qbbu8gLMUrNj9WgzOAZJq5VPqHOzirHfTXylQmmSw5qVi9ITQLXDhIw_21r9fjwKg8fzS5tPunQPxVBAglp32ah6CbXFHvzlG/s400/100_1135.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes there will be inside shoes (think sandals or slippers) that guests can use. It keeps the floor looking nice. I had to walk through the snow to do a visual check on our coils and when I got back to the building, my shoes were covered in wet and gross which then was deposited all over the entry way floor. I usually don't wear my shoes inside anyway and think the idea is fantastic.<br /><br />As you can see, I'm not in Ny-Alesund. The package of coils we had shipped did not arrive until after my plane was supposed to leave on Monday. I will be leaving on Thursday to go install a new system. Hopefully the nice weather will hold for a few more days.<br /><br />I'm off to try Svalbar this evening. Hopefully I can find something good to eat!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-21270183343326720192010-07-05T02:19:00.000-04:002010-07-05T03:16:40.995-04:00LongyearbyenI have made it to Longyearbyen. After flying from Boston to Amsterdam to Oslo to Tromso to Longyearbyen over 20 hours, I was happy to arrive at my room for the night.<br /><br />Today is the day when Science might get done. I am awaiting a shipment of our coils we sent out about 2 weeks ago. The Norwegian Postal Service website is down at the moment and I can't track to see if the goods have left Tromso. The Post Office opens in about an hour and I'll go and see if they can help me. If I don't receive the coils today that means I will stay in Longyearbyen until Thursday or maybe until next Monday depending on when I can get a flight up to Ny-Alesund.<br /><br />What am I doing up here exactly? We have an <a href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/projects_ulf.html">array of induction coil</a>s spread out over Svalbard. (It looks like I need to update the webpage when I return as it is out of date of where one of the instruments is located.) The coils measure a current induced by dB/dt or the change in the magnetic field over time. We use this information to see how the solar wind is interacting with the magnetosphere, look at the signature of substorms on the ground, among other science-y things. One of the sets of coils (in Ny-Alesund) has stopped working over the last year, my job is to go and see what is going on and replace the entire system with one we shipped.<br /><br /><br />The system in Longyearbyen has a battery that needs to be soldered to the data acquisition board. The people in the airport looked at my solder quite strangely when I went through security. I was in a bit of rush to pack, so I inadvertently put the solder in my bag and it caused them to send my bag through the x-ray machine a few times. They decided it was harmless and allowed me to go through.<br /><br />The last system is in Isfjord Radio. I am getting there by a sort of cruise boat as that is the only way it is accessible during the summer. There are no roads between settlements on the island. You have to fly or take a boat or go by snowmobile to get to anywhere else. In Isfjord Radio, I will be obtaining the data from the system and trying to set up a static IP address so we can just download the data automatically from our server at UNH.<br /><br />I spent yesterday wandering around Longyearbyen. There was a large cruise ship in town so there were a lot of people wandering about. Below are some pictures from my excursion.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MTQK4atCLZ5BvRpUanxuQOxGiCs5CW2HCeNjWMO2LKE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4T0Es7HWDiuz-RnUEcf84FHYLVu6O4zq3mYGY14l7UNqZhPTHXPvwbIwXtOBrehHoSgw22flS8zGeBXTtfmT9VyQKkPbtwwGiUmV5DTi5nMVOA9p4EytnlUfESaCeEktCp-deQJh_K5O/s400/100_1092.JPG" /></a><br />All the buildings have been painted print colors. It has been grey for the past two days I have been there and if this is any indication what the rest of the summer is like, I would think that bright color somewhere is called for.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E6ym-zAVK3hMuuZN7AI1mexGiCs5CW2HCeNjWMO2LKE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LMzciLJzZNxJUbhSYHewnzfslfdmxZ7y3DJ8Heck89GmpntDiOce394NQ1ohPjtpFBKMN4eC2DX3i7s89g4GP8Gn4Wq5FfS6Xv-Gd_IjNgycOWmHE-HMwjYrwFO_ZKTdNwN-3cmockCM/s400/100_1102.JPG" /></a><br />There really are polar bears all over the island. I hope I do not see any. The translation is "The Entire Svalbard". Many of the tourists are eager to take pictures of the bears while they are out on their tours.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Z0roN-m_xxuI4dOXTDfE1CsPNJMaU0YHCiQ-riQQRU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_PT3-iCPFoOnyNtjVCmrBAdCnmDzu6LqQUoy_tiD5RsQ_tubOCmdNa_dMCiyThrZgnU5yko74FHAxBIw898NjB-xiBZ1u3cOSyq9a4ORGwqSa2ELdjJoftA8-1I9iKUS7de5LzZPzh9x/s400/100_1141.JPG" /></a><br />There are even postcards of polar bears covered in blood. Gross.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kAY2yYN9bHTCDKuTzXEZQOxGiCs5CW2HCeNjWMO2LKE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLnF4ZUxkPigao5zsdF7MVCujpIKnQlI3wNrVu_wg71nTgN3yeGOkClBoQoZA2AsmGYS2jX6dJcyS6tmhQUNiqEFZCYCe-552wKAs011efbQp3d8cxzDqsC61tS8Wxr-dAuWJybVIG4bd/s400/100_1108.JPG" /></a><br />It is really quite pretty here, if a little barren. The hills are tall with bits of snow, and fog covers the tops of them all day.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D-CgiSafyXi1OmF1TYwUsuxGiCs5CW2HCeNjWMO2LKE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsDy8Ci4zBJHfX-grLl2Got5PZIyb1Ann7Ugxk8agnTMXQ1yUi_GJCsBq4wWnMA9HhdOv4y4tqiTRDgMB3lhT_7f_pfsutsVlELsE_Rnzu2EPrkbdTW8hSvc5faJ76akwEe-F7UAnzDFf/s400/100_1130.JPG" /></a><br />Apparently in Svalbard, you have to watch out for men crossing the street in fedoras. Also, this is the sign by the school. All the other pedestrian crossing signs are for a generic person. It is only the couple by the schools of the creepy fedora guy.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OZ5bIfICvvYba0GW7LggduxGiCs5CW2HCeNjWMO2LKE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4eCgQkRF-rJrVZ_2X7Y72td8u_8wu9RMgPKxd3yhkwTANuoK6KNTwsl0Fo02ShOTTfGln4Ivh-N-ZbhdlHbCNzxid1xLCneqnJSOjUeeDIYF5AGrLW0hsoWU4WbJDRGMxlRylQiAvwNy/s400/100_1131.JPG" /></a><br />Again, beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JbFF4iZLvDRhwrbEnpIjU1CsPNJMaU0YHCiQ-riQQRU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pE6-gssn-ViulTvGAg1OEUpJo8QQFM0URJaCDnCWbr-maVCRZKQx0qmHvVlrssmcn5s76ex9a2p7VKePlSM7B5hPlc4VwMW5WeYtnGe0SsxSBh_Nh7XbuKL4eJKlT0M9V2k37edcFxre/s400/100_1142.JPG" /></a><br />I took this picture because my advisor has never seen Longyearbyen in daylight. He was here for a rocket launch two years ago when darkness <a href="http://scifer2.blogspot.com/2008/01/update-for-friday-jan-11-2008.html">reigned</a> supreme.<br /><br />A funny story. I woke up and looked at my watch last night. It read 11 and I thought that meant 11am. It turns out that after panicking, packing up all my stuff, turning in my key to the locked after hours box (I wanted to get out of there quickly), and walking into town, I found out it was 11pm and I was now without a place to sleep. I was able to find a room at the Radisson for 2.5 times what I had paid for the previous room, but at least I now have internet in my room and the breakfast was much better. Next time, find out the real time before going crazy. The sky has the same look all day/all night and I couldn't tell if it was morning or night.<br /><br />I guess that is it for now. I am off to find my coils. Hopefully the next post will come from Ny-Alesund.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3728918097472810247.post-89319950632214323252010-06-30T12:13:00.000-04:002010-06-30T12:33:11.014-04:00First Post!This blog is a place for me to keep track of all the adventures I will be having while working for the <a href="http://mirl.sr.unh.edu/">MIRL</a> Lab.<br /><br />My first trek will be to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard">Svalbard</a>! I am attending to three search-coil <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetometer">magnetometer</a> systems in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longyearbyen">Longyearbyen</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ny-%C3%85lesund">Ny-Ålesund</a>, and <a href="http://www.basecampexplorer.com/our_destinations/svalbard/our_camps_at_spitsbergen/116564">Isfjord Radio</a> over a three week journey. Hopefully the working out I have been doing, will allow me to dig in the permafrost and avoid the polar bears.<br /><br />Pictures and stories will abound, I'm sure. Watch this space for updates!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3