Posters on the Hill (Salt Lake City)

Using SDO-EVE Satellite Data to Model for the First Time How Large Solar Flares Influence the Earths Ionosphere

Joseph B. Jensen et al. — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:25:40 PST

The ionosphere is important in our everyday communicaBons. Many satellites, like GPS satellites, have to send signals through the ionosphere, and many emergency radio communicators depend on the ionosphere to extend the range of their communicaBons. We also have many satellites and even the InternaBonal space staBon located in this region of the atmosphere. It becomes important for the astronauts in the ISS and for the health of the satellites to know what is going on in the ionosphere and how it can affect their systems.

The lower regions are important because the E-‐region will extend the distance that a High Frequency (HF) radio operator can communicate, and when the E-‐region is expanded it will absorb the communicaBons and cause a radio blackout, so any emergency personnel that depend on those HF radio communicaBons won't be able to communicate. And both the F and E regions will affect GPS satellites communicaBon and can cause errors in posiBon on the earth of up to 20 meters.

Simulation of UV Radiation Degradation of Polymers on MISSE-6 in the Low Earth Orbit Environment

Kelby T. Peterson et al. — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:16:29 PST

The Sate of Utah Space Environment & Contamination Study (SUSpECS) experiment flown on the Materials International Space Station Experiment 6 (MISSE-6) was an experiment designed to examine the consequences of the space environment on various materials used in space-component design. SUSpECS was comprised of approximately 180 samples that were suspended from the side of the International Space Station (ISS) for 18 months and returned to allow for pre- and post-flight comparisons. The sample with the most evident changes was a thin film of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MylarTM coated with Vapor Deposited Aluminum (VDA). The post- flight analysis showed evidence of atomic oxygen erosion of the VDA layer, UV-induced discoloration of the polymer, and a crater created by a micrometeoroid impact. This presentation focuses on the UV-induced discoloration and laboratory tests to simulate these effects. The UV tests expose similar polymers to varying intensities of vacuum UV radiation from deuterium lamps over a condensed time span and quantify the discoloration of the polymers through comparison of the UV/Vis/NIR reflection spectra. The results from the UV simulation are used to determine the approximate time period of the UV exposure for the SUSpECS sample and in turn the erosion rate of the VDA layer.

Mapping Light Pollution at Utah State University

Rachel Nydegger et al. — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:36:52 PST

One of the beauties of modern civilization is seeing the city lighting at night. It provides a feeling of security and is indicative of the power and endeavors of humanity, but over-lighting is a form of pollution. Many outdoor light fixtures spread light in all directions, sending a majority of the light into the sky, away from where we want the light to be on the ground. This light spreading upward is not only wasted light, but it is wasted energy and money, destroys our ability to view the night sky, and has profound effects on nocturnal creatures. The direct harm to certain species then affects the ecosystem it interfaces with, causing damage on a much larger scale than expected. Small changes in lighting practices would positively affect energy use and economies, ecosystems, and the efficiency of astronomical endeavors. This project analyzes the light pollution on Utah State University campus and what can be done with collaboration of the collegiate administration to amend the lighting in Logan.