Scientists have spent the past few decades catching up to traditional knowledge, documenting scientifically what whale hunters already knew. Like the fact that the whales can smell, and that they can travel under sea ice.
Science & Tech
Scientists map shifting migration around Alaska mountains, using GPS-equipped eagles
When golden eagles migrate to and from Alaska each year, they have to fly around a huge obstacle: the 16,000-foot peaks of the Wrangell Mountains. Some of the eagles choose a route that skirts the northern edge of the mountains. Others go south. A new study examined how the weather affects which way the eagles fly.
New study says Chukchi polar bears are healthy despite sea ice loss — for now
“Unless the underlying problem of climate change is addressed, the sea ice is expected to continue to diminish,” said polar bear researcher Eric Regehr. “And at some point that will likely have a negative effect on the bears in this Chukchi area.”
Cameras could replace onboard human observers for some fishing boats
The electronic monitoring program uses cameras and recording equipment to keep track of the kinds of fish coming on board, as opposed to the more traditional way of bringing human observers on board a vessel.
NASA renews satellite services contract with UAF
The Alaska Satellite facility employs 55 people involved in the 24-7 downlink, storage and processing of satellite data.
Redefining sports: Petersburg High School supports starting a video gaming team
The Alaska School Activities Association may accept esports as a sanctioned sport soon. Over 30 schools in the state already have esports teams starting up this fall.
Kodiak commercial rocket launch set for Friday
The commercial launch is the second for the company whose rocket was destroyed in July and is necessary in order for the company to get certification by the Federal Aviation Administration
FEMA assesses issues after national emergency alert test
“Some people didn’t receive it at all. Some people received it multiple times. Some people had their phone on silent and only heard a vibration. Other people didn’t hear anything at all,” a FEMA official explained.
Hackers are selling Alaska Air, other airline miles for cheap on the dark web
A tech writer’s leading theory is that hackers are stealing the miles through phishing emails or through wholesale data breaches.
A federal plan to save Alaska’s belugas starts with recruiting an army to count them
An army of citizen scientists assembled along Turnagain Arm Saturday to count endangered belugas near Anchorage.