Mount Washington Observatory Observer Blog
A few words from Marty
A few words from Marty 2012-08-07 18:43:40.000 - Marty, Summit Cat Courtisy of my good friend Chris Gregg I don't get to write an Observer Comment very often even though I do more observing on the Summit than any of the "Official" Weather Observers. I observe the Interns giving tours, I observe the Weather Observers observing the weather, I observe the sunrises and sunsets, I observe the tourists coming and going - That's a lot of observing, no wonder I'm exhausted all the time and have to find a nice spot to sleep.I hear some of the Observers talking and
I Observer Weather, Not Space
I Observer Weather, Not Space 2012-08-06 23:05:28.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Meteorologist I like to look at this but I don't 'observe' it. It always seems that when the topic of space hits the news, my friends and parts of my family along with a small percentage of the general public, forget or mix up what I have a degree in and start asking me space related questions. And with space news hitting the headlines once again this week with NASA's Mars rover 'Curiosity' landing and the Perseids meteor shower peaking this Saturday (August 11th), the questions have already begun.
Temperature Differences
Temperature Differences 2012-08-06 00:09:08.000 - Brian Clark, Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL On a personal note, I've been off the mountain until today because on Friday, I underwent LASIK eye surgery. I'm happy to say that everything went very well, and today I came up the mountain to finish off the rest of this shift.Now, this is my sixth summer spent working on Mount Washington. Although summer is not my favorite season, both here on the mountain and in the valley, I have always enjoyed the noticeable and significant difference between the temperatures at the base of the road and at
Final comments from an Intern
Final comments from an Intern 2012-08-04 19:07:02.000 - Christopher Gregg, Summit Intern A mosaic of images from over the summer. Sitting here on a fine Saturday evening, it's time to write my final observer comment as an intern of the Mount Washington Observatory. Another great day on top of the summit, the temperatures were high (actually tied the day's record at 67 degrees) the sun was shining, and Marty was meowing. Speaking of Marty, lately I've been brushing him to help him shed his thick coat, I swear I've already collected 3 small cats worth of hair from that guy.
Reflections from a Departing Intern
Reflections from a Departing Intern 2012-08-03 22:29:32.000 - Adam Brainard, Summit Intern Among my favorite sunsets from the summit While I am not one to tread the well beaten path with my observer comments (i.e. 'Life and Death of a Snowman', 'Twas the Night before Seek', et cetera), allow me to follow tradition and write a succinct reflection on this, my final week as an observatory intern. I have had a blast working at the observatory this summer. I have dipped my hands in a world of new sights and experiences, many of which I would not have encountered anywhere
And Now, For the Rest of the Story…
And Now, For the Rest of the Story... 2012-08-02 18:34:15.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Meteorologist Star Trails and the Story Behind Them. When I started working here, I saw a picture downstairs taken at night of our weather tower with Polaris above it and slight star streaks around it. I liked it and wanted to try it out on my own; and not just duplicate it but improve upon it. So, over the years, I started doing my homework and learning how to replicate the image on my own. When I set out on looking into how to do this,
Its shift change day!!!
Its shift change day!!! 2012-08-01 21:08:27.000 - Roger Pushor, Weather Observer/IT Specialist Adams and Madison in the sun As many of you probably already know Wednesday's are Shift Change day for the Observers, Museum Attendant, Interns and Volunteers here on the Summit. There were all of the usual Shift Change meetings along with Fall Intern interviews today. We got to take to five of the six finalist today with the last interview to be completed tomorrow so that offers can be extended to the lucky candidates.Our Summer Interns finish up this week with us and I have to say Chriss
Marty Takes a Hike
Marty Takes a Hike 2012-07-31 10:01:14.000 - Steve Harshman, Summit Intern Clouds in the Great Gulf This shift week started off with rain. For the most part, the summit was stuck in the clouds through Saturday, with a whopping 1.3" of rain dumped on the peak. Luckily, this didn't last the whole week and we cleared up for Sunday, allowing for some pretty stellar hiking weather.Despite being in the clear, clouds remained around the summit with some tall cumulous building up all around us. One particular bank was stuck in the Great Gulf, unable to lift itself over the Northern
Volunteer Week on the Summit
Volunteer Week on the Summit 2012-07-31 06:41:26.000 - Adam Scott, Summit Volunteer NULL Being a middle school science teacher from Rhode Island, I have been waiting all year to spend a week on the highest peak in New England. Coming from a state that is basically at sea level (our highest point is a hill at 812 feet above sea level), I am continually amazed at the beauty, size and grandeur of this spectacular mountain range.Spending time with this amazing summit crew is both a personal and professional privilege. With each passing day, I have had the pleasure of watching
Science In The Mountains
Science In The Mountains 2012-07-30 06:49:42.000 - Rebecca Scholand, Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL Trying to plan out your week? Don't forget to block off time to attend this week's Science in the Mountains at the Weather Discovery Center in North Conway. Wednesday, August 1st at 7pm Seth Campbell will be giving his presentation on Radio Waves Over Rough Terrain. Find out why you may have cell signal in one location but move 10 feet and drop your call. Be sure not to miss out on our remaining Science in the Mountain programs every Wednesday this summer. August 8: Research Projects
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