Week 20 at the Pole

By Jean DeMerit — Friday, May 29, 2015 - 10:15am
Friday, May 29, 2015 - 10:15am
aurora borealis
Image: Stephan Richter, IceCube/NSF

The auroras have been been bright and lively lately. And even though this one curves downward, it does not bring a frown to mind. In fact, the same aurora as seen in the the full-sky panorama image (below) converts to a smile. But if auroras don’t bring a smile, maybe the sight of huge weather balloon will do the trick. The images at the bottom show a weather balloon launch outside the BIF (Balloon Inflation Facility—they like their acronyms at the Pole). The balloon will take ozone distribution measurements as it rises to an altitude of 35 kilometers.

fish eye photo
Image: Stephan Richter, IceCube/NSF

weather balloon
Image: Stephan Richter, IceCube/NSF

launching weather balloon
Image: Stephan Richter, IceCube/NSF

 

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