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Poker Flat Rocket Launches
Honest John launch from Poker Flat in June 1977 (1000 frame per second movie) This rare high-speed (1,000 frames per second) film captures the launch of the Honest John–boosted Javelin sounding rocket (PF-HJJ-129) from Poker Flat Research Range on June 6, 1977. The scientific mission tested the performance of a Styrofoam heat shield designed to protect rockets during Alaska's harsh winters, documenting in remarkable detail how the shield separated during launch. RL Super Arca
Hanna Spencer
16 hours ago1 min read
History of Poker Flat Lecture by Neal Brown on September 25, 2017
In this 90-minute presentation for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Neal Brown shares personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights from his 18 years as a supervisor and director of Poker Flat Research Range. Drawing on decades of experience, he recounts the people, challenges, and scientific milestones that helped establish Poker Flat as one of the world's leading sounding rocket research facilities.
Hanna Spencer
21 hours ago1 min read
Aurora Impact on Human Activities - 2015
In this engaging 2015 presentation at Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks, Alaska, Neal Brown explains why the aurora borealis is far more than a beautiful natural spectacle. Drawing on decades of research at the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute and Poker Flat Research Range, he describes how intense auroral activity can disrupt modern technology, affecting everything from aircraft navigation and radio communications to satellites and power systems. Blending s
Hanna Spencer
21 hours ago1 min read
Aurora Explained 1986
This is an educational documentary produced by Neal Brown, Dan Osborne, and Tom Hallinan as part of the Aurora Color Television Project. Featuring stunning broadcast-quality color footage of the aurora borealis, the film explains the science behind the Northern Lights while showcasing the pioneering work of the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute and Poker Flat Research Range. A follow-up to the team's 1986 film, Aurora, it was originally released on VHS and later tr
Hanna Spencer
21 hours ago1 min read


Lecture: The Mysterious and Magical Aurora by Dr. Neal Brown
The Mysterious and Magical Aurora by Neal Brown "Aurora are almost magical in the sense that they can suddenly fill the sky with wondrous light that captivates our attention. I specialize in attempting to help the non-scientist understand the how and why aurora occur as they do near simultaneously in both the northern and southern polar regions." Presented by Arctic Audubon Society http://arcticaudubon.org
Hanna Spencer
21 hours ago1 min read
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