Science Report
Date: December 12, 2012
Written by: Paula Crock
Astronomy
Summary: Last night was a wonderfully clear night so I used the observatory again. I resolved some of the alignment issues I was having and so was able to observe M31, the Andromeda Galaxy. I set up the ccd camera and took some images using various exposure times to see which worked best. While waiting for the long exposures for M31, I observed the Geminid meteor shower.
Objectives: Resolve alignment issue, continue to assess usefulness/completeness of online training videos.
Results: Images of M31, better understand of observatory systems.
Lessons learned: 120 to 150 second exposure time works pretty well for M31. Telescope doesn’t seem to be able to find Jupiter but did find M31.
Plan forward: Per Peter’s request, take images of M42 and M1.
Simulation Suit Temperature Logger Prototype
Summary: I took the prototype on EVA B this afternoon, with the device secured to the top inside of my pack and the wires run from the device through the back of my helmet and left loose inside my helmet. This EVA was via ATV but we did do some walking for ~ 45 minutes.
Objectives: Collect second data set, preferably under different thermal conditions than first data set.
Results: ~ 3 hours’ worth of data that look reasonable. Detailed analysis and correlation with EVA activities underway.
Lessons learned: Device works properly and battery life is > 3 hours. Device is unobtrusive and adds negligible weight.
Plan forward: Collect more data on future EVAs that I take through the rest of the rotation.