Today marks the end of the 2014 ACE/OSIRIS Validation Campaign's Intensive Phase.
This will be the final daily report.
While spring is fast approaching down south, Eureka's temperature remains a chilly -45°C ñ the same as when the team first arrived. Ice crystals hung in the air today, and resulted in spectacular sun dogs during the Ridge Lab team's morning commute. The temperature near the Ridge Lab was somewhat warmer, at -34°C. The sky this morning was clear, but it became blanketed by thick clouds at noon.
In the PEARL Ridge Lab's IR lab, Joseph and Dan took 30 NIR measurements with the Bruker this morning. When the beamsplitter was switched, the gate didn't close sufficiently for the electronics to make contact. With the right tool and steady hands, the gate mechanism was slightly tightened. This occasionally needs to be done. After that quick bit of maintenance, all was again well with the Bruker. Dan took 15 measurements with PARIS.
Over in the UV-Vis Lab, Sophie confirmed the PEARL-GBS, UT-GBS, and SAOZ were operating normally and are ready for the extended phase of the campaign. Sophie also visited the IR Lab and learned about how the Bruker is operated.
Down at 0PAL this morning, the CRL ended 11 days of continuous measurements. Sham removed the UV laser pump chamber. During the extended phase of the campaign only the visible channel will operate. Sham also replaced the Zaber in the visible laser and put the white light post back into the instrument. She taped back all the panels of the laser table to prevent laser light from leaking. The visible laser is back on and is taking measurements. It will continue to do so overnight.
During the extended phase of the campaign, the CRL will be operated remotely by Jason Hopper at Dalhousie University.
Pierre and Mike arrived shortly before dinner. Dan, Joseph, Paul, Sham, and Sophie depart Eureka tomorrow morning.
After dinner, the Intensive Phase team briefed Pierre and Mike on the state of the instruments. Pierre and Mike will continue measurements until April 2 as the extended campaign team. Everything is in perfect working order, and we hope they have a smooth two weeks ahead.
Eureka has felt like home for the last three weeks. We would like to thank everyone who has made this campaign such a fantastic and successful experience. The team would like to give our special thanks to our hosts at the Eureka Weather Station. They have been welcoming, hospitable, and kind. None of what we do would be possible without them.
Thanks to all the people at the weather station: John, Jane, Dean, Roxanne, Allistar, Ron, Rebecca, Jay, Bill, Dave, and Trevor. You each did everything possible to support us and make our field work as smooth as possible.
We would also like to thank the Canadian Space Agency, Environment Canada, and CANDAC for continuing to financially and logistically support the Canadian Arctic ACE/OSIRIS Validation Campaign. The opportunities that come with being in Eureka for polar sunrise are unmatched. The phenomenal data we collect in addition to the irreplaceable learning experience for us all is only possible because of the support you have provided.
Finally, thank you all for reading the daily updates and viewing our daily photos!