Day Seven –Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
We started the day with a 6:00 a.m. run toward the base of Sugar Loaf mountain. The road is covered with rocks and pebbles similar to the rocks we found Sunday at the ice cap. Some are granite; most are dull grey and dusty. Along the side of the road we saw tumbleweed-like shrubs. So this is what Arctic tundra looks like.
We looked carefully at the boulders lining the mountains, wondering if a boulder might really be a musk ox. There is little or no humidity … just crisp, clean air. A few birds called to us as we walk/ran up and down hills.
This is our last day of the symposium and our last day of interviews. We talked about many different areas of science including:
• The life and customs of Greenland
• Adjusting to many hours of darkness and many hours of light
• The differences and similarities between the north and south poles
• Auroras
• The solar cycle
• Patterns in solar storms
• Comets
• Polar regions
• Auroras on other planets
• Mars compared to Earth
But we also talked about past teachers that inspired some to pursue a career in science. We shared stories about seeing an aurora for the first time and watching the sky for hours. We heard about the challenges, hard work, and creativity required to succeed in this profession. Mostly the words “fun” and “travel” popped into each interview. When asked what attributes were needed to be a space scientist, “being curious” was the answer more frequently given than “being good at math.”
Though it will be good to get home and have a Diet Coke (no diet sodas here!!!), I will miss the beauty of Greenland and the generosity of its people.
We travel home tomorrow by C-130. And that’s another story.