The last day of 2013 turned out to be an exciting one for the BARREL team. The Halley team launched Payload 2I at 1144 UT. The balloon reached float altitude of 38 km at 1344 UT. One member of the SANAE team acted as ground station for Halley while the rest of their team set up to launch their first payload. At 1735 UT, the SANAE team launched Payload 2W, with Halley acting as their ground station. The balloon reached float altitude of 38 km at 1930 UT. Both payloads are working nominally and have been transferred to the UCSC MOC. Payload 2T continues to move around the continent, maintaining an altitude above 35 km. Some weak precipitation was observed by it earlier today despite the fact that geomagnetic activity was quite low. We are looking forward to a possible increase in activity in the next few days due to a coronal hole coming into view on the sun. Fingers crossed! We don't anticipate another launch tomorrow. The winds are predicted to be high for the next day or two.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Robyn
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Launched 2W
We launched 2W from SANAE today! This was the first launch for the SANAE team for this campaign and all seems to be going well. Now, as Robyn said, we need some activity. Granted we have already observed a few precipitation events even with this relatively quiet geomagnetic period.
Happy New Years everyone!
Happy New Years everyone!
BARREL Daily Update: December 31st.
Happy New Years Eve!
This morning we had the launch of 2I from Halley at 1144 UT and there is a possibility of another launch this afternoon from SANAE.
Halley 6:
Payloads up: Possible launch from SANAE
GOES Electron Flux:
GOES Proton Flux:
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Sun spot number: 93
Kp is quiet
Bz = 2.6 nT north
There is a coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one and is thought that it may merge with a glancing blow of a CME which will hit on Jan. 1st and possibly produce some activity.
From Kyoto:
Dst: quiet.
This morning we had the launch of 2I from Halley at 1144 UT and there is a possibility of another launch this afternoon from SANAE.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -6 C
Wind speed: 10 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.1 C
Wind speed: 5 knots
Payloads up: Possible launch from SANAE
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: 2T, 2I
Payloads coming down:
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW:
2013-12-31 (nice pass just to West of stations)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
23:00 - 2014-01-02/00:30 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 20:00 - 21:30 (mlts from 11 - 13)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
2013-01-02
A: 17:15-18:45 (MLTs 15-17) Partial pass b/t stations
B: 14:00-15:30 (MLTs 11.6-13) Pass b/t stations
B: 17:40-19:40 (MLTs (14.5-16) Pass just west of stations
2013-01-03
A: 16:00-17:30 (MLTs 11.5-13) Pass to West of stations
A: 19:10-21:40 (MLTs 14-16.5)
B: 17:10-18:40 (MLTs 11.5-13)
B: 21:15-22:45 (MLTs 14.5-16)
2013-01-04 to 2013-01-05 Far to West pass
A: 18:50-20:20 (MLTs 11.3-12.8)
A: 22:50-00:20(jan5) (MLTs 15-16)
B: 20:15-21:40 (MLTs 11.5-13)
2013-01-05
A: 16:20-18:20 (MLTs 14.5-16.2) pass b/t stations
B: 00:40(jan5) - 2:00(jan5) (MLTs 15-16.3)
B: 14:20-16:20 (MLTs 11.6-13.4) pass b/t and West of stations
B: 18:00-20:00 (MLTs 14.3-16.3)
Halley Bay :
very quiet
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux is normal and expected to stay normal over the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
The proton flux has returned to normal and is expected to stay normal over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 383.6 km/s
Solar proton density: 8.1 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 93
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 35% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 2 with a 24 max of kp = 2
Bz = 2.6 nT north
Btotal = 4.5 nT
There is a coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one and is thought that it may merge with a glancing blow of a CME which will hit on Jan. 1st and possibly produce some activity.
From Kyoto:
AE: quiet.
Dst: quiet.
Launch of 2I
This morning the Halley team was able to launch 2I. Now the big question will be does this year's 2I outlast last years? 1I was our longest lasting payload last year and was up for 38 days. It was a huge outlier but one never knows.
SANAE also may have a launch. We should hopefully know more by the time of the telecom today.
SANAE also may have a launch. We should hopefully know more by the time of the telecom today.
Monday, December 30, 2013
From the ice: A Note from Robyn Dec. 30th
Hi all,
The Halley team got Payload 2I flight-ready today and were set up to launch, but had to cancel yet again due to the surface wind conditions. Today was expected to be a bit marginal anyway. I'm sure our luck will improve soon! The Halley forecast for tomorrow looks more favorable, so I hope to have better news for you then. The SANAE team are also ready to launch, so just waiting for better weather.
Robyn
The Halley team got Payload 2I flight-ready today and were set up to launch, but had to cancel yet again due to the surface wind conditions. Today was expected to be a bit marginal anyway. I'm sure our luck will improve soon! The Halley forecast for tomorrow looks more favorable, so I hope to have better news for you then. The SANAE team are also ready to launch, so just waiting for better weather.
Robyn
BARREL Daily Update: Dec. 30th.
Hi all,
No telecom today. We will resume them tomorrow, December 31st. Enjoy this time off!
I'm flying back to the East Coast today so will update you ASAP about a launch.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -5 C
Wind speed: 14 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -4.3 C
Wind speed: 14 knots
Payloads up: Possible launch tomorrow from either or both Halley and SANAE although SANAE is expecting large winds.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: 2T
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW:
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
2013-12-30 (nice pass b/t stations)
A: 15:45 - 18:45 (mlts from 14 - 16.4)
B: 14:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 16)
2013-12-31 (nice pass just to West of stations)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
23:00 - 2014-01-02/00:30 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 20:00 - 21:30 (mlts from 11 - 13)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
Halley Bay :
very quiet
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux is normal and expected to stay normal over the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
The proton flux has returned to normal and is expected to stay normal over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 315.4 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.0 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 119
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 35% and a 5% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 1 with a 24 max of kp = 2
Bz = 2.7 nT south
Btotal = 6.1 nT
There is a coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one and is thought that it may merge with a glancing blow of a CME which will hit on Jan. 1st and possibly produce some activity.
From Kyoto:
AE: quiet.
Dst: quiet.
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -5 C
Wind speed: 14 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -4.3 C
Wind speed: 14 knots
Payloads up: Possible launch tomorrow from either or both Halley and SANAE although SANAE is expecting large winds.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: 2T
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW:
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
2013-12-30 (nice pass b/t stations)
A: 15:45 - 18:45 (mlts from 14 - 16.4)
B: 14:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 16)
2013-12-31 (nice pass just to West of stations)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
23:00 - 2014-01-02/00:30 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 20:00 - 21:30 (mlts from 11 - 13)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
Halley Bay :
very quiet
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux is normal and expected to stay normal over the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
The proton flux has returned to normal and is expected to stay normal over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 315.4 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.0 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 119
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 35% and a 5% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 1 with a 24 max of kp = 2
Bz = 2.7 nT south
Btotal = 6.1 nT
There is a coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one and is thought that it may merge with a glancing blow of a CME which will hit on Jan. 1st and possibly produce some activity.
From Kyoto:
AE: quiet.
Dst: quiet.
Have a good day,
Sunday, December 29, 2013
From the ice: A note from Robyn, Dec. 29th
Hi all,
We got the rest of our cargo today including flight batteries! So, we got Payload 1I assembled and bench tested. We expect to have it flight ready early tomorrow if ground conditions are good. We have a possible launch opportunity at Halley in the afternoon Monday. The SANAE team is flight ready and are now just waiting for some good weather. The winds are expected to be too high for a launch there tomorrow.
Payload 2T continues to look good and is now well past the Antarctic peninsula. Everything is working nominally and the altitude profile looks great. We actually detected a gamma ray burst early in the morning and some very weak precipitation later in the day. Nothing too exciting yet, but it's great to see that things are working well.
Robyn
We got the rest of our cargo today including flight batteries! So, we got Payload 1I assembled and bench tested. We expect to have it flight ready early tomorrow if ground conditions are good. We have a possible launch opportunity at Halley in the afternoon Monday. The SANAE team is flight ready and are now just waiting for some good weather. The winds are expected to be too high for a launch there tomorrow.
Payload 2T continues to look good and is now well past the Antarctic peninsula. Everything is working nominally and the altitude profile looks great. We actually detected a gamma ray burst early in the morning and some very weak precipitation later in the day. Nothing too exciting yet, but it's great to see that things are working well.
Robyn
BARREL Daily update: December 29th
Hi all,
The sun appears to be quiet for the moment. We did see a GRB early this morning, but otherwise it has been quiet. We may be able to launch another payload tomorrow from either station so we will keep you up to date as we hear from the teams on the ice.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -14 C
Wind speed: 18 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -3.6 C
Wind speed: 4 knots
Payloads up: Possible launch tomorrow from either or both Halley and SANAE
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: 2T
Payloads coming down:
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW:
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
2013-12-30 (nice pass b/t stations)
A: 15:45 - 18:45 (mlts from 14 - 16.4)
B: 14:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 16)
2013-12-31 (nice pass just to West of stations)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
23:00 - 2014-01-02/00:30 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 20:00 - 21:30 (mlts from 11 - 13)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
Halley Bay :
perhaps a tiny tiny EMIC wave early this morning.
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux is normal and expected to stay normal over the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
The proton flux has returned to normal and is expected to stay normal over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 357.9 km/s
Solar proton density: 13.1 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 95
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 25% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 1 with a 24 max of kp = 2
Bz = 3.3 nT north
Btotal = 4.6 nT
There is new coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one.
From Kyoto:
AE: some small enhancements
Dst: quiet.
Have a good day,
Saturday, December 28, 2013
From the ice: a note from Robyn Dec. 28th
Payload 2T continues to look good and is now halfway across the Antarctic peninsula. Everything is working nominally and the altitude profile looks good so far.
At Halley, we are hoping for another launch opportunity tomorrow morning. Payload 2U is ready to go. The winds are expected to be low again in the morning, so we plan to set up first thing and launch before noon if the weather holds.
The SANAE team have checked out their inflation system and have their first payload just about ready to go. However, they have 20 knot winds predicted for tomorrow so we don't anticipate a launch from SANAE tomorrow.
Robyn
At Halley, we are hoping for another launch opportunity tomorrow morning. Payload 2U is ready to go. The winds are expected to be low again in the morning, so we plan to set up first thing and launch before noon if the weather holds.
The SANAE team have checked out their inflation system and have their first payload just about ready to go. However, they have 20 knot winds predicted for tomorrow so we don't anticipate a launch from SANAE tomorrow.
Robyn
BARREL Daily Status Update: December 28th
Hi all,
There is a Russian ship stuck in the ice at the moment but BARREL is not affected. All of our cargo has made it to the base. We do not plan to have another launch until Sunday if ground conditions are good.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -11 C
Wind speed: 14 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -1.6 C
Wind speed: 4 knots
Payloads up:
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: 2T
Payloads coming down:
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW:
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
2013-12-30 (nice pass b/t stations)
A: 15:45 - 18:45 (mlts from 14 - 16.4)
B: 14:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 16)
2013-12-31 (nice pass just to West of stations)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
A: 15:45 - 18:45 (mlts from 14 - 16.4)
B: 14:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 16)
2013-12-31 (nice pass just to West of stations)
A: 16:00 - 18:00 (mlts from 12 - 13.5)
19:45 - 21:45 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 17:15 - 19:30 (mlts from 12-14)
20:00 - 22:30 (mlts from 14-16)
2014-01-01 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
A: 19:15 - 20:45 (mlts from 12 - 13)
23:00 - 2014-01-02/00:30 (mlts from 14.5 - 16)
B: 20:00 - 21:30 (mlts from 11 - 13)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
2014-01-02 (pass quite a ways to the West of stations)
B: 00:30 - 02:00 (mlts from 15 - 14.9)
Halley Bay :
No EMIC waves observed at the moment. Some ULF activity.
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux is returning to normal.
GOES Proton Flux:
There is a increase in the proton flux for > 10 MeV over the last 12 hours, but it appears to be recovering if not recovered. .
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 345.3 km/s
Solar proton density: 4.3 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 107
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 25% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 1 with a 24 max of kp = 2
Bz = 6.0 nT north
Btotal = 7.1 nT
There is new coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one.
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day,
Friday, December 27, 2013
From the ice: A note from Robyn Dec. 27th
Today we had our first launch from Halley. Payload 2T was launched at 1208 UT. The payload reached float altitude (~38 km) at 1410 UT. So far the balloon looks healthy and the payload is working nominally. A small photo is attached.
As a reminder, you can view the data live at http://soc2.ucsc.edu. The default view is our "live data" screen which may not be your favorite way to view data. But, you can click on the buttons near the top to view a map, or make plots. Quicklook plots of the x-ray count rate will also be posted once per day. Other plots of mostly housekeeping data can be viewed at: http://earthweb.ess.
We don't plan to launch another payload tomorrow. The SANAE team expects to have a payload ready Sunday and the Halley team has a possible launch opportunity Sunday. I'll provide a weather update in tomorrow's status.
Robyn
As a reminder, you can view the data live at http://soc2.ucsc.edu. The default view is our "live data" screen which may not be your favorite way to view data. But, you can click on the buttons near the top to view a map, or make plots. Quicklook plots of the x-ray count rate will also be posted once per day. Other plots of mostly housekeeping data can be viewed at: http://earthweb.ess.
We don't plan to launch another payload tomorrow. The SANAE team expects to have a payload ready Sunday and the Halley team has a possible launch opportunity Sunday. I'll provide a weather update in tomorrow's status.
Robyn
Payload 2T on its way to float altitude
BARREL Daily Status Update: December 27th 2013
Hi all,
We just had our first launch of the new BARREL Campaign. 2T was launched from Halley at 12:08 UT and reached float altitude at 14:10 UT. EMFISIS has been seeing beautiful chorus waves around apogee so hopefully with today's burst collection we will see some nice activity! Granted the geomagnetic activity is lower today than it was a couple of days ago, so we'll just have to wait and see what mother nature has in store for us.
Currently the space weather appears to be quiet low until the new year. There is a coronal hole which should reach us on or around Jan 2nd - 3rd. There are a few sunspots which are currently geo-effective and may be able to produce large flares. However since they have stayed quiet and are not crackling, NOAA thinks the likely hood of them erupting while they are geo-effective is minimal.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -7 C
Wind speed: 17.5 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -3.6 C
Wind speed: 7 knots
Payloads up:
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: 2T
Payloads coming down:
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW: Maps of these collection times are attached.
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
Halley Bay:
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux is returning to normal.
GOES Proton Flux:
There is a increase in the proton flux for > 10 MeV over the last 12 hours, but it appears to be recovering.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 300.9 km/s
Solar proton density: 2.3 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 96
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 25% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 0
Bz = 0.1 nT north
Btotal = 7.5 nT
There is new coronal hole starting to show up on the Eastern limb of the sun which may be able to reach us on Jan 2 - 3. This coronal hole appears to be more equator ward than the previous one. There are a few sunspots which are showing a beta-gamma magnetic field structure. These are known for producing large flares and CMEs. However as they have stayed quiet and not produced any M-class flares, NOAA is lowering their chance of erupting while they are geo-effective.
From Kyoto:
AE: quieter than I have ever seen it.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day,
December 27th conjunction period.
December 28th Conjunction period.
December 29th Conjunction period.
Launch of Payload 2T
Hi all,
We just had a successful launch of our first payload! Halley launched payload 2T at 12:08 UT and it reached float altitude about 2 hours later at 14:10 UT.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Happy Boxing Day, BARREL Status Updates: December 26th
Hi all and Happy Boxing Day!,
Halley is currently trying to launch but there are some big guests of wind which may delay the launch until the ground weather clears up. The first launch for SANAE may be around the 28th of December.
The geomagnetic activity has recovered since yesterday. The coronal hole may hit today so there is a chance of some geomagnetic activity.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -12. C
Wind speed: 15 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -4.7 C
Wind speed: 10 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Collection times for EFW: Maps of these collection times are attached.
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
Halley Bay :
A number of nice EMIC Waves
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux over the last 12 hours is returning to normal.
GOES Proton Flux:
There is a increase in the proton flux over the last 12 hours.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 274.2 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.5 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 81
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 25% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 1 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 1.8 nT north
Btotal = 5.5 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth Today.
From Kyoto:
AE: quiet with some small activity.
Dst: The small storm yesterday with a Dst_min of -39nT has now recovered.
The geomagnetic activity has recovered since yesterday. The coronal hole may hit today so there is a chance of some geomagnetic activity.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -12. C
Wind speed: 15 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -4.7 C
Wind speed: 10 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Collection times for EFW: Maps of these collection times are attached.
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
Halley Bay :
A number of nice EMIC Waves
GOES Electron Flux:
The electron flux over the last 12 hours is returning to normal.
GOES Proton Flux:
There is a increase in the proton flux over the last 12 hours.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 274.2 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.5 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 81
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 25% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 1 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 1.8 nT north
Btotal = 5.5 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth Today.
From Kyoto:
AE: quiet with some small activity.
Dst: The small storm yesterday with a Dst_min of -39nT has now recovered.
Have a good day and We hope you enjoy Boxing day!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
BARREL Daily Status Update: December 25th
Hi all and Happy Holidays!,
We will not have a launch today. The next chance for our first launch from Halley will be December 26th. The first launch for SANAE may be around the 28th of December.
There is a small storm going on right now and it looks like it may get a bit bigger if Bz turns southward again. NOAA is predicting that there is a chance of a larger flare erupting over the next couple of days. The coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere is still expected to become potentially geo-effective tonight and tomorrow. Our first possibly bursts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -8. C
Wind speed: 18 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.2 C
Wind speed: 1 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Collection times for EFW: Maps of these collection times are attached.
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
Halley Bay :
A number of EMIC Waves
GOES Electron Flux:
There is a slight decrease in the electron flux over the last 12 hours
GOES Proton Flux:
There is a decrease in the proton flux over the last 12 hours.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 274.5 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.8 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 96
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 35% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 3 with a 24 max of kp = 3
Bz = 4.2 nT north
Btotal = 9.5 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth on Dec. 25th - 26th.
From Kyoto:
AE: AE is at and about 500 nT and looks like it is continuing! Perhaps we will have some christmas lights in the sky tonight!
Dst: on our way to a small storm with a Dst_min of -39nT and possibly still decreasing.
Have a good day and We hope you enjoy the Holidays!
There is a small storm going on right now and it looks like it may get a bit bigger if Bz turns southward again. NOAA is predicting that there is a chance of a larger flare erupting over the next couple of days. The coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere is still expected to become potentially geo-effective tonight and tomorrow. Our first possibly bursts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -8. C
Wind speed: 18 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.2 C
Wind speed: 1 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Collection times for EFW: Maps of these collection times are attached.
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
Halley Bay :
A number of EMIC Waves
GOES Electron Flux:
There is a slight decrease in the electron flux over the last 12 hours
GOES Proton Flux:
There is a decrease in the proton flux over the last 12 hours.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 274.5 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.8 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 96
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 35% and a 1% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 3 with a 24 max of kp = 3
Bz = 4.2 nT north
Btotal = 9.5 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth on Dec. 25th - 26th.
From Kyoto:
AE: AE is at and about 500 nT and looks like it is continuing! Perhaps we will have some christmas lights in the sky tonight!
Dst: on our way to a small storm with a Dst_min of -39nT and possibly still decreasing.
Have a good day and We hope you enjoy the Holidays!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
BARREL Daily Status Update: December 24.
Happy Holidays, The ground weather is a bit bad though so we are not expecting a flight today or tomorrow. We will not be launching on Christmas, so the next chance for our first flight, for both stations of course depending on ground weather conditions, will be December 26th.
The Sun is crackling with multiple M class flares from a sunspot that is getting close to being geo-effective. NOAA is predicting that there is a fairly good chance of a larger flare erupting over the next couple of days. The coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere is still expected to become potentially geo-effective on Dec. 26th - Dec 27th. Our first possibly busts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -7. C
Wind speed: 12 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -4.7 C
Wind speed: 8 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Halley Bay :
Very quiet
GOES Electron Flux:
Have continued to be at normal to moderate levels and are expected to be the same for the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
Has stayed at background levels for the lat 24 hours and is expected to increase slightly over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 289.2.3 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.1 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 108
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 60% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 2.6 nT south
Btotal = 3.7 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth on Dec. 26th - 27th.
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day!
The Sun is crackling with multiple M class flares from a sunspot that is getting close to being geo-effective. NOAA is predicting that there is a fairly good chance of a larger flare erupting over the next couple of days. The coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere is still expected to become potentially geo-effective on Dec. 26th - Dec 27th. Our first possibly busts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -7. C
Wind speed: 12 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -4.7 C
Wind speed: 8 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Collection times for EFW:
2013-12-27
A: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 17)
B: 16:00 - 19:00 (MLTs from 14 - 16.5)
2013-12-28
A: 16:00 - 20:00 (MLTs from 11.5 - 14.5)
B: 16:30 - 20:30 (MLTs from 11 - 15)
2013-12-29
A: 18:50 - 21:50 (MLTs from 11-14)
B: 19:00 - 22:00 (MLTs from 11-13.5)
Halley Bay :
Very quiet
GOES Electron Flux:
Have continued to be at normal to moderate levels and are expected to be the same for the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
Has stayed at background levels for the lat 24 hours and is expected to increase slightly over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 289.2.3 km/s
Solar proton density: 1.1 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 108
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 60% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 2.6 nT south
Btotal = 3.7 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth on Dec. 26th - 27th.
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day!
Monday, December 23, 2013
BARREL Daily Update Dec. 23rd
Each day we're getting closer to our first possible launch date! Our flight readiness review was this morning and I'm assuming that no news is good news. The ground weather is a bit bad though so we are not expecting a flight today or tomorrow. The SANAE team is also now at the base and getting everything set up. We will not be launching on Christmas, so the most likely first flight, for both stations of course depending on ground weather conditions, will be December 26th.
The Sun is starting to crackle with a couple of multiple M class flares from a sunspot that is getting close to being geo-effective. The coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere is now expected to become potentially geo-effective on Dec. 26th - Dec 27th. Our first possibly busts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -4.9 C
Wind speed: 6 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.9 C
Wind speed: 7 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Halley Bay :
quiet with some weak ULF activity.
GOES Electron Flux:
Have continued to be at normal to moderate levels and are expected to be the same for the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
Has stayed at background levels for the lat 24 hours and is expected to increase slightly over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 317.3 km/s
Solar proton density: 1. cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 111
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 60% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 0.3 nT south
Btotal = 2.8 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth on Dec. 26th - 27th.
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day!
The Sun is starting to crackle with a couple of multiple M class flares from a sunspot that is getting close to being geo-effective. The coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere is now expected to become potentially geo-effective on Dec. 26th - Dec 27th. Our first possibly busts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -4.9 C
Wind speed: 6 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.9 C
Wind speed: 7 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 26 th.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Halley Bay :
quiet with some weak ULF activity.
GOES Electron Flux:
Have continued to be at normal to moderate levels and are expected to be the same for the next three days.
GOES Proton Flux:
Has stayed at background levels for the lat 24 hours and is expected to increase slightly over the next three days.
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 317.3 km/s
Solar proton density: 1. cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 111
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 60% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 0.3 nT south
Btotal = 2.8 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth on Dec. 26th - 27th.
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
BARREL Daily Update Dec. 22nd
Each day we're getting closer to our first possible launch date! Our flight readiness review is at the moment still scheduled for Dec. 23rd and if it is completed successfully we may be able to launch late Monday night! We will keep you posted as we get new information.
The Sun is still quiet but there have been multiple M class flares. There is also a coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere which may hit us on December 25th. Our first possibly busts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -2 C
Wind speed: 16.5 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.8 C
Wind speed: 12 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 23rd.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Halley Bay :
quiet with some weak EMIC and other ULF activity.
GOES Electron Flux:
Have continued to be at normal to moderate levels and are expected to be the same for the next three days
GOES Proton Flux:
Has stayed at background levels for the lat 24 hours and is expected to be the same over the next three days
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 317.5 km/s
Solar proton density: 2.6 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 131
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 40% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 1.3 nT north
Btotal = 2.8 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth by Dec. 25th, perhaps there will be some green and red lights in the sky for Christmas :).
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day!
The Sun is still quiet but there have been multiple M class flares. There is also a coronal hole in the Northern Hemisphere which may hit us on December 25th. Our first possibly busts collection for EFW on the Van Allen Probes will start on the 26th when they fly over the Halley and SANAE stations.
Ground Weather:
SANAE IV:
Temp.: -2 C
Wind speed: 16.5 knots
Halley 6:
Temp.: -5.8 C
Wind speed: 12 knots
Payloads up: Our first possible launch date is late on the day of Dec. 23rd.
SANAE IV: none
Halley 6: none.
Payloads coming down:
none
Recent possible events:
none.
Halley Bay :
quiet with some weak EMIC and other ULF activity.
GOES Electron Flux:
Have continued to be at normal to moderate levels and are expected to be the same for the next three days
GOES Proton Flux:
Has stayed at background levels for the lat 24 hours and is expected to be the same over the next three days
Space Weather from Spaceweather.com and SWPC
Solar wind speed: 317.5 km/s
Solar proton density: 2.6 cm^(-3)
Sun spot number: 131
NOAA has the likelihood of a M class flare at 40% and a 10% chance of an X class flare.
Kp is quiet
kp = 0 with a 24 max of kp = 1
Bz = 1.3 nT north
Btotal = 2.8 nT
There is a Coronal hole in the northern hemisphere which could possible hit Earth by Dec. 25th, perhaps there will be some green and red lights in the sky for Christmas :).
From Kyoto:
AE: very quiet.
Dst: very quiet.
Have a good day!
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