Ballard Project: Hercules Launch

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Hercules Launch

( underwater shot of Hercules)

We are currently launching Hercules and Argus to investigate a shipwreck named Sinop D. Sinop D was discovered 5 years ago off the coast of Sinop. Sinop D was likely a warship from the fifth century. Hercules and Argus will be sent in to find the wreck and check out its condition. By doing this, we are able to compare the visual condition of Sinop D today from 5 years ago.

Hercules is equipped with a radar detection system that will help him locate the shipwreck once on the bottom of the sea. In a similar way to Diana, Herk sends out signals like a bat. The returns that he gets plots a point on a radar screen in which Herk navigators use to find the exact location of the target on the seafloor.

Above is a picture of the shipwreck site "Sinop D". This site is called Sinop D because it is the fourth shipwreck found off the coast of Sinop. For example, Sinop A is the first, Sinop B is the second etc.

Keep tuning in at Nautilus Live for the latest updates and send in your comments and questions!

KJ

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Ballard Project

Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has the technology to connect with the University of Rhode Island's undersea exploration program. The Internet2 connection on campus allows Cape Henry faculty and students to see and hear the real time research occurring in two vessels -- the Okeanos Explorer and the Nautilus. The ships are equipped with ROV's (Remote Operated Vehicles) that explore the ocean floor and send live video that we are able to watch in high-definition quality.

Additionally, the Watch Station has an intercom that allows students to talk to researchers on the ship in real time. Cape Henry is one of two high schools in the country to have this type of technology.