UCAR - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research | Understanding atmosphere, Earth, and Sun

SOARS protégés give back to community

August 5, 2009 | On July 24, a group of SOARS protégés partnered with EO’s Sandra Henderson to present a miniature science fair to schoolchildren at Longmont’s Casa de la Esperanza, a housing development for immigrant families. The event was part of an optional summer workshop for protégés on scientific outreach. The workshop included two outreach events at Casa de la Esperanza and one at Boulder’s I Have a Dream Foundation.

The quest for a smooth, safe flight

August 3, 2009 | More than three million people around the world fly on commercial aircraft every day. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, in 2007 there were only 0.014 deaths for every 100 million passenger-kilometers (about 0.023 deaths per 100 million miles), giving air travelers the confidence-inspiring odds of more than a million to one of surviving a typical journey, and likely even better odds in countries with high safety standards for aviation.

Photo exhibit: Climate change and human rights

July 14, 2009 | A traveling photography exhibit currently at the Mesa Lab, “Three Degrees—An Exploration of Climate Change and Human Rights,” seeks to examine climate change as a humanitarian issue. The exhibit, which will be on display from June 29 through August 28 on the Lab’s first floor, comes to NCAR from the University of Washington where it was part of a student-led conference aimed at challenging legal scholars, nongovernmental leaders, and policymakers to confront the humanitarian crisis at the heart of climate change.

A quiet, cool Sun

June 1, 2009 | 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.

Staff burn calories, not gas, on Bike to Work Day

June 26, 2009 | On June 24, 243 UCAR/NCAR staff showed up for work via alternative transportation, collectively commuting 4,188 miles. Many did so without the help of the internal combustion engine, although they did benefit from a good breakfast.

GLOBE renews funding, plans virtual meeting with partners

June 25, 2009 | In June, NASA renewed its cooperative agreement with GLOBE through February 2014. The new award begins in September. “We are very excited about GLOBE’s future and our renewed partnership with NASA,” says GLOBE director Ed Geary. The program involves primary and secondary school students worldwide in hands-on science education activities. It plans to delve into environmental issues such as climate change, water quality and availability, and biodiversity over the next five years, according to Ed.

Children doing a science project outside.

UCAR purchases former Wild Oats building

June 24, 2009 | UCAR/NCAR has acquired some new digs—located conveniently across the street from FL4. On June 11, the President’s Council closed on the purchase of the former Wild Oats building at 3375 Mitchell Lane. “The purchase follows a careful inspection and discussion, and approval from the UCAR Board of Trustees,” UCAR president Rick Anthes told staff. “I am very pleased that we were able to take advantage of this opportunity and complete a key part of our long-term strategic space plans.”

Guy Brasseur steps down as ESSL director

June 23, 2009 | Guy Brasseur will step down from his position as ESSL director and NCAR associate director on June 30. Greg Holland, head of ESSL/MMM, will serve as acting ESSL director beginning July 1.

A long time coming

June 12, 2009 | 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.

NCAR names two new senior scientists

June 8, 2009 | 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.

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