A long time coming: Sunrise balloon launch successful
It may be light out all night this time of year in northern Sweden, but on June 8 there was a very special sunrise. At 8:05 a.m., the Sunrise balloon was successfully launched from Esrange Space Center in Kiruna. Eight UCAR/NCAR staff watched the gigantic helium balloon ascend into the sky, where it is currently circling the North Pole.
“It was really wonderful to see Sunrise launch on its first attempt,” says Greg Card, an instrument engineer in ESSL/HAO who attended the launch. "Sunrise is a extremely complex machine, so we all had to get a lot of things right.” more>
NCAR names two new senior scientists
In May the UCAR Board of Trustees appointed two new senior scientists: Jeffrey Stith and Peter Sullivan. Senior scientists provide NCAR with long-term scientific leadership. The position is analogous to that of full professor at a tenure-granting university. Selections are based on individual competence in research and activities that enhance NCAR's interaction with scientists in the broader community. In addition, seven NCAR researchers have been promoted to the Scientist III level, which is one step below senior scientist. more>
A quiet, cool Sun: Scientists probe sunspot
cycle, climate
Our nearest star, the Sun, has been awfully quiet lately. In fact, no living scientist has seen it behave this way.
In 2008, scientists observed no sunspots on 73% of the year’s 366 days, making 1913 the last year with more spotless days. The count for 2009 is even lower; as of early May, scientists reported no sunspots on 85% of the year’s days. more>
Take a Look
A new exhibit is in place at the Mesa Lab, featuring I.M. Pei’s original architectural model of the lab. The exhibit, which is located off the Mesa Lab’s mezzanine, features illustrated panels, displays, and audio clips about Pei, the building, and its significance to the history of architecture. An opening reception for the exhibit is planned for June 25. more>
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