geophysicist to astronaut
DESCRIPTION
about me, my adventures, and my astronaut ambition - presentation given to 9th graders in Lovington, NM on 26 April 2010TRANSCRIPT
Geophysicist to Astronaut
Brian ShiroNational Oceanic &
Atmospheric AdministrationPacific Tsunami Warning Center
Lovington 9th Grade Academy26 April 2010
2
Outline
About Me About my job Geophysics & Planetary
Science Astronaut preparation Q&A Pearls of wisdom
3
Background
Hometown: Paragould, ArkansasHigh School graduate (1996)
Senior Class President
BA, Northwestern University (2000) Majors: Integrated Science, Geology, Physics
MA, Washington University (2002) Earth & Planetary Science, PhD study until 2005
Geophysicist with NOAA (2005-present)Astronaut applicant (2008-2009)Commander and Scientist, Mars analog
missions (2009-2010)MS, University of North Dakota (2010, exp.)
4
My job
my office
5
NOAA NOAA’s Mission: To
understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs.
NOAA operates the US’s weather satellites, making it one of the largest space agencies in the world.
www.noaa.gov
6
See the world. Be a scientist.
7
Colorado - geology
8
Alaska
9
Fiji
10
Antarctica
11
Marianas
12
Anatahan Eruption11 May 2003
I was the last person on this uninhabited island just 3 days before it erupted. Our team happened to be the first witnesses of the eruption from our boat.
before after
13
“Mars”
14
What is Geophysics?
Geophysics is the study of the Earth or other planets by quantitative physical methods.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, magnetic fields, mineral resources, atmosphere, deep interior
15
What does all of this have to do with planetary science?
Earth is a planet! Techniques used on Earth
can be applied to other planets too.
Studying other planets helps us understand the Earth too.
Training on Earth helps us prepare for exploring other planets.
16
Astronaut Geophysicists
AstronautDrew Feustel-- fixed Hubble Astronaut Jack Schmitt
-- last man on the Moon-- senator from NM
me
17
Applying to Be an Astronaut Need at least a
Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience
Having “operational experience” helps: military, aviation, scuba, etc.
Height, weight, vision restrictions
Applied in 2008; Made it to the “Highly Qualified” stage in 2009.
My level
18
Astronaut Stats
19
Astronaut Stats
20
Private Spaceflight Revolution
New Mexico is leading the way:http://www.spaceportamerica.com/
21
Suborbital Astronaut Training
Classroom learning Altitude Physiology Motion & Acceleration
Physiology Space Launch & Reentry G-Tolerance Working Under Pressure Time Management Distraction Factor
Exercise Microgravity fights Suborbital Space Flights Mission-specific
http://www.astronauts4hire.org/
22
Q&A Is it cold in space?
--Austin Brehm
Yes, about 3K (-273ºC). In sunlight, up to 120ºC.Can metal rust in space?
--Cameron Crawford
No. There is no oxygen to oxide the metal. Is it true that you are bigger in space?
--Demori Aranda
Yes, your body grows in length by 6-8 cm.How many people have successfully made it to
outer space and back? --Lauren Richardson
Over 500
23
Q&AHow far in space does a satellite have to be
before computers on Earth can’t detect it? --Lauren Richardson
We can still detect Voyager I, which was launched in 1977 and is now 113 AU (17 billion km) away.
Do you have to put a lot of time into your job? --Ivan Salcido
Yes, I work about 80 hours per week.What do you not like about your job?
--Kaylyn Simmons
The long, variable hours and bureaucracyDo you work by yourself or with other people?
--Amber Queen
Both
24
What to Study in School?
Science (geology, physics, chemistry)
Math (as much as you can) Engineering (aero, mech)Computers (programming)Geography
College degree minimum, Usually need graduate degree like Masters or Ph.D.
25
Life LessonsGo to college away from home. Stay in the
dorm at least a year.Consider taking a year off before or after
college.Travel as much as you can. Nothing helps you
grow more.Try a variety of fields of study. Summer schools
and internships are a good way to do this.Be flexible, but always have a long range plan.Anything that can go wrong will, but learn and
move on.
26
Recommended Reading The Seven Habits Highly Effective People
by Stephen Covey Now What?: The Young Person's Guide to
Choosing the Perfect Careerby Nicholas Lore
Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists
by Peter Fiske Naked Earth: The New Geophysics
by Shawna Vogel The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho Discoveries in Planetary Science
http://dps.aas.org/education/dpsdisc/
27
Thanks!
Contact:
Brian Shiroemail: [email protected] or [email protected]: http://www.astronautforhire.comtwitter: @brianshiro
28