Abstract:

This high altitude balloon project for near-space flight is part of an ongoing investigation of the concentration and distribution of ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere. The flight vehicle consists of a 600-1200 gram latex helium filled balloon which carries two separate instruments that measure the amount of ozone in the atmosphere and the temperature, humidity, altitude/pressure, and dewpoint/frostpoint. We do this because we want to find out how much tropospheric ozone there is in relation to stratospheric ozone. These experiments are used as a ground verification of the Aura satellite which takes the same readings but from a top to bottom perspective. Then this information will be used to assess the effects of global warming and surface pollution transport to develop a strategies to target these problems.

In order to take surface ozone samples, a sample test strip must be exposed for approximately 1 hour. After an hour is up, an instrument named the “Zikua” is used to determine the amount of surface ozone in parts per billion (PPB). While the sample strip is collecting surface ozone, data including cloud type and coverage, wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, & start and end time must be collected.

Results:
Surface ozone samples from Paradox, New York were taken in order to compare the different amounts of surface ozone concentration between a rural region, and an urban region.

Surface ozone concentration levels ranged from 17 to 38 parts per billion (PPB) in Paradox, New York. These samples were taken over a three day weekend and used to illustrate the differentiation between a rural area, and an urban one.

Surface ozone concentration ranged from 73 to 94 parts per billion (PPB) in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York. These samples, as seen on the chart, were taken over a course of approximately two weeks.

MECSAT is a scientific balloon project intended to provide a small- scale vehicle for atmospheric and environmental investigations as well as technical issues related to data communications, data tranmission protocols, embedded controllers and mobile wireless networks. Participating students will work with faculty mentors and advanced students on the design and implementation of flight equipment for measurements of seabreeze circulations in the NYC/LI/NJ coastal areas, particulate-samplng as a function of altitude, and CO2 monitoring. The primary MECSAT flight vehicle ascends to heights of 100,000 feet or more and consists of a 1200 gram sounding balloon, parachute and payload modules including tracking and communications equipment for real-time telemetry updates, a flight computer to ingest and transmit sensor data, scientific sensors and imagers. A secondary flight vehicle will be kite- based for moored monitoring at altitudes of less than 10,000 feet. The MECSAT project is sponsored by the NASA/MUSPIN CUNY NRTS, the NASA/OSS NYCSSRA and the NASA/NY State Space Grant Consortium.
Research during the summer of 2005 will focus mostly on the development and use of thermocouples.

Radio JOVE is a student & amateur astronomy radio telescope project; students build a decametric radio telescope and receiver to observe and analyze natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun. Students are involved in every aspect from construction of the radio receiver including soldering of circuits, testing the receiver, setting up the telescope antenna, collecting, reviewing and analyzing data. The basic tool for data analysis is the JoveChart software program. Data is recorded on a laptop by logging the signal intensities with the JoveChart software. Proper set up for data analysis will enable students make measurements and calculations based on their collected data & compare their results with those of other observers.

Radio JOVE students will build a decametric radio telescope (receive and antenna) to observe and analyze natural radio emissions of Jupiter and the Sun. The basic tool for data analysis is the JoveChart software program. Students will record data on audiocassette tape and/or by logging the signal intensities with the JoveChart software. The next step is to review and analyze the data. Data analysis will enable students make measurements and calculations based on their collected data and compare their results with those of other observers throughout the nation.

This research activity involves the study lithium transition metal oxides using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR). The research is carried out in the laboratory of Dr. Steve Greenbaum Professor of Physics at Hunter College. These studies are part of a larger effort, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies, to study material, which show promise as lithium-ion battery cathodes. Major advances in lithium battery technology would have considerable impact on the electronics industry. The much more environmentally benign lithium batteries could replace the environmentally unfriendly Ni-Cd batteries. Students would be introduced to the principles of EPR and the physics and chemistry of lithium-ion battery materials. The students would also learn how to operate the EPR Spectrometer in Professor Greenbaum's laboratory.

In order to take surface ozone samples, a sample test strip must be exposed for approx. 1 hour. After an shour, an instrument named "Zikua" is used to determin the amount of surface ozone in parts per billion (PPB). Whilethe sample strip is collection surface ozone, data including cloud type & coverage, wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, & start and end time must be collected.

Results:
Surface ozone samples from Paradox, New York were taken in order