September 21, 2009 | Pioneering scientist and holder of the UCAR Distinguished Chair for Atmospheric Science and International Research, Joach Kuettner hit a new milestone on September 21: his 100th birthday. From his home near Boulder, Joach continues to visit UCAR/NCAR. He keeps up with research meaningful to him and even took part in the 2005 Terrain-induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX) in the Sierra Nevada, a landscape he'd soared over more than a half century earlier in an experimental sailplane. Joach attributes his love of atmospheric science to curiosity and joy of adventure. "If you can preserve these two wonderful afflictions through your life, you will never be able to stop ex­ploring the atmosphere," he says.