Remarkable footage of a rarely seen giant deep sea jellyfish has been recorded by scientists. Full Story
Neritic Sounding Probe Status Update
League City, TX
A combined buoyancy and beacon test of the Neritic Sounding Probe (NSP) was deemed a failure after the primary battery developed a short during transport to the test facility located at Watergate Yachting Center.
Arrival inspection revealed that the battery compartment had melted into a sort of U shape and was hot to the touch. It was decided to quick-deploy the probe into the test tank (Clear Lake) to limit the thermal excursion while the tool bag was located and brought on line. It was noted at this time that the NSP just barely floated without the full electronics payload. It would unquestionably sink without additional buoyancy.
The Channel Locks were utilized by support personnel to gain access to the battery compartment and release the 10 D-cell batteries into the safety inspection area (grass near end of Pier-6) No fire was observed at this time. The batteries were then allowed to naturally cool in situ.
An incident investigation board was quickly convened consisting of K. Sullivan, S. Stewart, T. Campbell, and J. Eldridge. The meeting was held aboard the Bacliff Exploration Society’s principal research vessel “Solitaire”. Refreshments left over from Drowning Man 2010 were provided.
It was deemed that the cases of the D-cell batteries were positive polarity rather than the assumed negative polarity. A scuff in the plastic wrapping of the upper most battery cell caused a short to the copper strap used for the ground return path. This was responsible for the rapid discharge of the batteries which resulted in the runaway thermal excursion which made the battery compartment melt in a funky shape.
Redesign efforts are in full swing, but a schedule slip of 1 week is anticipated.
Drowning Man 2010
Drowning Man, the Bacliff Exploration Society’s principal festival, was held on March 20, 2010.
NASA Chief to Senators: Mars is the Ultimate Destination
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Knut Haugland, last Kon-Tiki crew member, dies aged 92
Knut Haugland, the last surviving member of the Kon-Tiki expedition that crossed the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft, has died aged 92. Full Story
Kiwi Scientist To Attempt Record For Rearing Deep-Sea Squid In Captivity
New Zealand scientist Dr Steve O’Shea, well known for his study of giant squid, is attempting to break his own world record for keeping deep sea squid alive in captivity, as a warm up to his goal of one day raising a giant squid in a tank. Full Story
Ancient Hominids May Have Been Seafarers
Stone hand axes unearthed on the Mediterranean island of Crete indicate that an ancient Homo species – perhaps Homo erectus – had used rafts or other seagoing vessels to cross from northern Africa to Europe. Full Story
Shackleton whisky recovered after 100 years in polar ice
Five crates of whisky and brandy belonging to polar explorer Ernest Shackleton have been recovered after being buried for more than 100 years under the Antarctic ice, explorers said Friday. Full Story
Grand Instauration: An Historic Event
The Bacliff Exploration Society Grand Instauration was held on June 21, 2009 in League City, Texas at 12:30 pm (CDT).
