July 20, 1997
The first encounter...
I was the first to arrive at the Atlanta airport out of the three
that were going to be on the same flight. I waited for Leo and
Rumman, eating a cinnamon roll I might add, and finally Leo came to
the gate. After talking to Leo for a few minutes, I was a lot less
nervous. After a while, Rumman arrived as well. After becoming
slightly acquainted with these other members of the Earthwatch team,
I knew that this expedition would be not only a learning experience
academically, but socially as well. Although the team is composed of
different talents and personalities, all of us hold the
characteristic of being open-minded. My first impression was that all
of the team appreciated the arts and our ability to learn, feel, and
experience. Perceptions can be deceiving, but they can also set the
stage for the rest of the expedition. We first went to Old Town which
was the central town when New Mexico was first inhabited. We ate
lunch and soon were off for Los Alamos. On the way we stopped at Soda
Dam. This was the happening place . People were jumping off the cliff
and swimming in the luxury pool at the bottom. We also stopped to see
the Jemez mountains and take pictures. When we finished our journey
to Los Alamos, we settled into our rooms. The accommodations are nice
and the atmosphere is relaxed. The excitement grew and is continuing
to grow as the first day retreats and the next pushes closer.
July 21, 1997
Introductions...
Today was our introduction to the city of Los Alamos as well as the
project we are going to attempt. We went over the fundamentals of
astronomy and discussed the role we play in the astrophysical world.
We talked about stars, the milky way galaxy, specific transient
phenomena, and basic physics. The format was informal and so we were
able to participate and have a conversation rather than a lecture.
The team is on many different levels in terms of knowledge about
astronomy which made this format more successful and educational. The
undergraduate students working with the team are very helpful and in
many ways inspiring. They have already contributed much to the group.
After dinner , we were privileged enough to hear an Oppenheimer
lecture by Rocky Kolb on the Big Bang. The presentation was excellent
and laid out the basic principles and phenomena behind this theory
without confusion. This was particularly interesting to me because my
main interest is in cosmology. We then went to the school where we
have been meeting to play with photometry with a CCD camera. We took
pictures of ourselves and learned the basic commands to use the
camera. This occupied the rest of the night until we were all about
to fall asleep. I think we are all still adjusting to the schedule,
but hopefully it can only get better.
July 22, 1997
"The city that never was..."
We started out the day with a self-guided tour of the Bradbury
science museum. I mainly learned more about the Manhattan project.
Because Los Alamos was the site of this project, there was more
information on the project itself. The defense history and current
technology caught my interest, which made our next stop even more
interesting. We were able to see a pass of the ALEXIS satellite. It
was fascinating how much work went into the project and the data it
can collect. We also had safety talks and demonstrations about
lightning and hiking. We had a little more background in astronomy
and played with the CCD camera as well. Tomorrow we will be able
measure "seeing" if the weather permits. Hopefully we will be able to
see some cool stuff! Until then!
July 23, 1997
The action begins...
Today was our first time being able to use the telescopes. But before
that, we went to the Bradbury science museum. Gary Franklin talked to
us about the history of Los Alamos and the role it has played in the
defense department. I particularly liked this discussion because it
is hard to determine how far something like defense should be
pursued. Anyhow, it was very educational. Finally we went to the
ROTSE 1 site where we would be observing that night. We began setting
up stuff around 11 p.m.. We were able to see Jupiter and some binary
stars. I became a lot more familiar with the sky and learned my way
around. We also became more familiar with the Meade telescope and
camtest for the CCD camera. It was basically a trial run or
familiarization process. Being our first night taking data, I was
beginning to feel the excitement grow. Only more action lies
ahead!
July 24, 1997
There is a light that never goes out...
There is a certain beauty about the mysteries of the universe. We
observed at Fenton Hill tonight. It was so beautiful. Trying to
define the indescribable makes the rational mind dissolve into pure
imagination. All I could do was smile. We all traveled to different
level this night. We talked about the mystery of religion and our own
mysteries. We all are different in what we believe, but we all
believe in a purpose and we believe in it passionately. There was
something in the atmosphere that night. Regardless, it brought us
together and created our own covenant. This is how we work: gazing at
beautiful creations, taking images and analyzing the images. I could
get used to this. GOOD STUFF.
July 25, 1997
The role of the actor...
This day was full of acting, not necessarily deceiving, but we
played characters. I started the day as a reporter as I interviewed
Galen Gisler, and we all tried to show our appreciation to Carrie
Avery for the Earthwatch program. (But that wasn't acting) Then we
continued our role as the student and observer. We went to St. John's
College in Santa Fe to see "The Winter's Tale." It was awesome. Galen
is part of the musical accompaniment. The atmosphere was perfect for
a Shakespeare play produced for an outdoor theater. We ate and had a
cultural evening. We then all tried to play the role of the
housekeeper by doing laundry. Overall, especially with the influence
of the last role we played, we are pretty bad actors.
July 26, 1997
Contact...
As we make our daily trip to Furr's, we decided to buy a lot of
fruit. It was great. Because we were going to hike at Tsankawi we
wanted lots of energy. The hike was very interesting because we found
a lot of pottery in the ruins and petroglyphs of the solstice
calendar. It was fascinating how the ancient ones survived. Besides
not having enough water, I enjoyed the picturesque sites and learning
about the different tribes that lived in New Mexico. We were supposed
to go to the Amateur Astronomy night at Pajarito, but it was too
cloudy, and so we decided to go to see Contact. Before the movie
started we were throwing a Frisbee, but it began to rain. We tried to
pass time in our hotel room, but it was very tedious. Los Alamos lost
points for not having anything to do. Everything closes at 8 p.m., so
there wasn't anywhere to go. Besides the lack of stuff to do, we
still had fun at the movie and talking in our rooms.
July 27, 1997
Realizations...
Today I actually rolled out of my bed at 7:45 am for church. Lauren and I went to the Imaculate Heart of Mary catholic church. It was nice to have someone to go to church with. They did not have kneelers, but it was nice anyhow. I have realized that I need some more quiet time and spiritual time. I had neglected it for the first part of the expedition, but this week I want to have a more spiritual experience. We also realized that we needed to organize our observations better. We decided to go eat in Santa Fe and go to Walmart for camping supplies. It was fun to have another night off, but we still have lots of work ahead of us. We had a meeting to organize the observations, and all agreed on what had to be done. Finally, I am going to sleep for a substantial amount. Sweet dreams are made of these.
July 28, 1997
What you see is what you get...
I awoke at 11 am, 10 hours after I fell asleep, and boy did I feel good! Rumman and I cashed our checks and got some errands done before we had to meet at 1 p.m.. We went shopping for dinner and headed for Fenton Hill. We had lists of observations and organized schedules and groups. Everything was working except the weather. Rainy, foggy, and cloudy...it was messy. Regardless, we packed our bags and went to Fenton Hill. People left around 10pm, but some of us stayed until 1 am. I guess I am too optimistic at times, but I had to wait until at least midnight. No data was taken, but it was an experience nonetheless. We all had fun, maybe a little too much fun, and hoping to be more successful tomorrow at Pajarito peak. We could have seen this day as a waste, but you must recognize that with every shut door, one is opening. It's all good!
July 29, 1997
Our day at Santa Fe...
I am rather frustrated with the weather, but I must learn to deal with it as well. Pajarito peak was practically flooded from the rain last night. That trip was canceled. We planned to go to Santa Fe anyway, but now we will have more time than anticipated. We went to a planetarium show and then out to eat. After lunch, we split into different groups. I went to the Georgia O'Keefe museum and other sight seeing. The museum was really cool. My favorite painting was called "Black Cross and Red Sky." It was beautiful. It had such a clear and real message. I had chills for a few minutes. I loved many others as well, but I did not have enough time to see everything. Some of us did some shopping and also went to see some of the cathedrals. Santa Fe was a nice town, but it is a tourist attraction. A lot of merchandise is overpriced, so it was difficult to find presents for friends and family. We sat at the Plaza for a while and listened to a band, but at 6pm we left for Los Alamos. Hopefully we will be able to go back to Fenton Hill and try to collect some data. Who knows. Patience is the key, and in our case, the only option.
July 30, 1997
The Very Large Array...
Once again we have been blessed with great rain weather. So instead we went to the VLA. It was awesome! The ability of the twenty-seven antennas and the data they can collect is amazing. We had the privilege to see the control room and all the other equipment used for this project. (this was not part of the usual public tour) We saw the sites that were part of Contact as well as the public site to see the antenna. We saw the transporter and went on a tour of the visitor center. Radio astronomy is amazing. The accuracy and quality is fascinating. It was one of the best things that I have seen here. It was worth it to see this project. Despite the rain and delays, we were able to see the largest radio telescope in the world. This is definitely some good stuff!
July 31, 1997
The final frontier...
Then day began with me oversleeping, but I suppose that is beside the point. We had a picnic lunch at Canyon school and prepared for our presentation to the Astrophysical society meeting the next day. Todd Haines talked to us about neutrinos as well as a pep talk on our presentation. We then prepared to go to Galen's hose for a barbecue. It was so much fun! We talked and took pictures and had a jam session with a bunch of neat instruments. Besides getting sap all over me, it set the tone for the rest of the night. We went back to Fenton Hill and were more organized and so our observing was somewhat more smoother. I was on the visual team so we were able to take a good amount of data. I was absorbed into this deep night. Although the weather was not as cooperative, (there was actually an extra 2 inch thick layer of atmosphere ) I became mesmerized with the night. The memory of the brain can easily slip away , but memories of the heart can never be replaced; whether they are of pain or sweetness, they are bound to you. My heart has created many memories of this expedition...all I can say is wow.
August 1, 1997
A different world...
After only a few hours of sleep and faint memories of singing Beatles songs, we met to frantically put together our presentation. The actual presentation was all right, but it was difficult not having concluding data. The real excitement was preparing for a camping trip to Pajarito peak. The weather did not permit a lot of successful measurements but the company made up for it. We entered the site as the sun was setting. It was beautiful. About five of us just sat and watched the golden strands melt into orange, purple, and blue puddles. It created such a serene and tranquil mood. I was in such peace. We sat and talked for a long time and were just fascinated with this different and surreal land. The night was long and imaginary, and it has made a permanent impression. I familiarized myself with people more and just enjoyed the atmosphere. The morning continued that peace...I can only sit in awe.
August 2, 1997
Parting is such sweet sorrow...
I know this subheading is beyond cliché', but it is also too appropriate. After going to the Pueblo feast, we have had a long but meaningful day. As I sit here trying to put my closing remarks, feelings, and memories of the heart into words, I am unsuccessful. I may not know the answers to the fate of the universe and the place I have in it, I an reassured that there is a future and that I do have a part in it. After looking at the universe beyond our small lives, there is a feeling of humility. And although I am practically nothing in terms of the universe, I am a big part in terms of our understanding. I have learned and experienced much. Peace is the greatest accomplishment, and this expedition and passionate people have given me hope that I can reach this goal.
"What you see is what you get."
THE END IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.
Nicole Detorie signing off....