First-ever Hyperspectral Images of Earth’s Auroras: New camera provides tantalizing clues of new atmospheric phenomenon
29 November 2012
The staff at the Kjell Henriksen Observatory, together with colleagues from Russia, Ukraine and Canada, has for the first time imaged Earth’s auroras with unprecedented clarity – simultaneously capturing multiple spectral bands of light at once.
Closer cooperation between UNIS and IMR
26 November 2012
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and UNIS enter a formal agreement of cooperation this week. Tomorrow the IMR will open its new office in the Svalbard Science Centre. – This will open up new possibilities for us, says UNIS director Ole Arve Misund.
UNIS partner in a new Norwegian Centre of Excellence (SFF)
12 November 2012
UNIS is partner in a new Norwegian Center of Excellence (SFF centres) led by the Birkeland Center for Space Science in Bergen. The centre will receive NOK 16 million per year for up to ten years. – This is a testimony to the excellent work done by our space physics research group, says UNIS director Ole Arve Misund.
Gas flow at the CO2 Lab site
14 September 2012
Recently there has been substantial gas flow from two of the wells drilled at the CO2 Lab well park in Adventdalen. This creates challenges for the operation on the well site and the scientists are looking at several solutions.
Reduced sea ice – less consequences than anticipated?
12 September 2012
Recent data show a historical and dramatic decline in the Arctic summer sea ice extent. This has believed to be bad news for marine organisms living under the ice. But new research show that perhaps some of the species actually have adapted to minimal ice cover in summer. The scientists call their hypothesis the “Nemo hypothesis”.
Mice on ice!
6 September 2012
Never heard of glacier mice? Actually, they are small moss balls forming on glacier surfaces. New research by UNIS and Nottingham Trent University shows that there is “hopping” life in these fluffy balls. Invertebrates such as springtails and water bears literally thrive (and survive) in this ice-cold environment.
Dramatic changes in the Arctic ocean floor
23 August 2012
A new study based on a 30-year period show that the ocean floor communities of both Kongsfjorden and Smeerenburgfjorden have changed dramatically. Existing organisms are replaced by warmth- and light-loving species. – A biological tipping point, according to the authors.
The Auroral Forecast goes public
20 August 2012
The Auroral forecast at the Kjell Henriksen Observatory is now available for all smart phone platforms including Android, iPhone and Windows. The apps were released on Andøya Rocket Range 50 years anniversary, to honor their contribution to space physics and cooperation with UNIS.
Polar bears much older than assumed
24 July 2012
New DNA studies suggest that polar bears evolved into a distinct species as many as 4-5 million years ago. Climate change and genetic exchange with brown bears helped create the polar bear as we know it today.