Extended sojourns to Mt. Washington keep us captive to the charms of the Rockpile
2016-01-28 12:29:24.000 – Will Broussard, Education Coordinator
In late May of 2012 I spent a week at the summit, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the Mount Washington Observatory. I learned as much as I could about the mountaintop weather station, its staff of observers, and their daily work in one of the world’s most extreme environments. I witnessed two direct lightning strikes to the radio antennas in addition to a magnificent sunrise over the coast. Scarcely a month into my new job as Outreach Coordinator, I was sold.
Photo by Will BroussardThree and a half years later I am half-way through my second week-long stint at the summit of Mt. Washington. The buildings are a much quieter place this time of year. I am treated to sunrise alpenglow along the Presidential Range, winds gusting over 100mph and my first attempt at de-icing. Everything is covered in thick rime and the white, boulder-studded alpine zone stands in stark contrast to the forests and fields of the valley. I have trouble staying indoors on clear days, when the pressure to get outside overrides my desire to craft emails and make phone calls. On foggy days I am content to stay indoors.
No matter the weather, repeated contact with the alpine zone reminds us why we decided to work here.
Will Broussard, Education Coordinator
One Down, One To Go
One Down, One to Go By Ryan Knapp On my calendar for March 2025, I had two reminders of events to look forward to in the sky. The first occurred this past week with
A Windy Start to March: A Look at Forecasting (and Battling) Category 4 Level Gusts
A Windy Start to March: A Look at Forecasting (and Battling) Category 4 Level Gusts By Charlie Peachey This winter at the Observatory has been freezing and, recently, historically windy. Just a few weeks ago,
From Intern to Educator to Observer: My Next Chapter with the Obs
From Intern to Educator to Observer: My Next Chapter with the Obs By Amy Cotter For the past year and a half, I have worked with Mount Washington Observatory in a variety of positions.
