Geophysicist to Astronaut

Brian ShiroNational Oceanic &

Atmospheric AdministrationPacific Tsunami Warning Center

Lovington 9th Grade Academy26 April 2010

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Outline

About Me About my job Geophysics & Planetary

Science Astronaut preparation Q&A Pearls of wisdom

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Background

Hometown: Paragould, ArkansasHigh School graduate (1996)

Senior Class President

BA, Northwestern University (2000) Majors: Integrated Science, Geology, Physics

MA, Washington University (2002) Earth & Planetary Science, PhD study until 2005

Geophysicist with NOAA (2005-present)Astronaut applicant (2008-2009)Commander and Scientist, Mars analog

missions (2009-2010)MS, University of North Dakota (2010, exp.)

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My job

my office

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NOAA NOAA’s Mission: To

understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs.

NOAA operates the US’s weather satellites, making it one of the largest space agencies in the world.

www.noaa.gov

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See the world. Be a scientist.

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Colorado - geology

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Alaska

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Fiji

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Antarctica

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Marianas

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Anatahan Eruption11 May 2003

I was the last person on this uninhabited island just 3 days before it erupted. Our team happened to be the first witnesses of the eruption from our boat.

before after

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“Mars”

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What is Geophysics?

Geophysics is the study of the Earth or other planets by quantitative physical methods.

Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, magnetic fields, mineral resources, atmosphere, deep interior

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What does all of this have to do with planetary science?

Earth is a planet! Techniques used on Earth

can be applied to other planets too.

Studying other planets helps us understand the Earth too.

Training on Earth helps us prepare for exploring other planets.

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Astronaut Geophysicists

AstronautDrew Feustel-- fixed Hubble Astronaut Jack Schmitt

-- last man on the Moon-- senator from NM

me

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Applying to Be an Astronaut Need at least a

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience

Having “operational experience” helps: military, aviation, scuba, etc.

Height, weight, vision restrictions

Applied in 2008; Made it to the “Highly Qualified” stage in 2009.

My level

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Astronaut Stats

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Astronaut Stats

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Private Spaceflight Revolution

New Mexico is leading the way:http://www.spaceportamerica.com/

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Suborbital Astronaut Training

Classroom learning Altitude Physiology Motion & Acceleration

Physiology Space Launch & Reentry G-Tolerance Working Under Pressure Time Management Distraction Factor

Exercise Microgravity fights Suborbital Space Flights Mission-specific

http://www.astronauts4hire.org/

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Q&A Is it cold in space?

--Austin Brehm

Yes, about 3K (-273ºC). In sunlight, up to 120ºC.Can metal rust in space?

--Cameron Crawford

No. There is no oxygen to oxide the metal. Is it true that you are bigger in space?

--Demori Aranda

Yes, your body grows in length by 6-8 cm.How many people have successfully made it to

outer space and back? --Lauren Richardson

Over 500

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Q&AHow far in space does a satellite have to be

before computers on Earth can’t detect it? --Lauren Richardson

We can still detect Voyager I, which was launched in 1977 and is now 113 AU (17 billion km) away.

Do you have to put a lot of time into your job? --Ivan Salcido

Yes, I work about 80 hours per week.What do you not like about your job?

--Kaylyn Simmons

The long, variable hours and bureaucracyDo you work by yourself or with other people?

--Amber Queen

Both

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What to Study in School?

Science (geology, physics, chemistry)

Math (as much as you can) Engineering (aero, mech)Computers (programming)Geography

College degree minimum, Usually need graduate degree like Masters or Ph.D.

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Life LessonsGo to college away from home. Stay in the

dorm at least a year.Consider taking a year off before or after

college.Travel as much as you can. Nothing helps you

grow more.Try a variety of fields of study. Summer schools

and internships are a good way to do this.Be flexible, but always have a long range plan.Anything that can go wrong will, but learn and

move on.

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Recommended Reading The Seven Habits Highly Effective People

by Stephen Covey Now What?: The Young Person's Guide to

Choosing the Perfect Careerby Nicholas Lore

Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists

by Peter Fiske Naked Earth: The New Geophysics

by Shawna Vogel The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho Discoveries in Planetary Science

http://dps.aas.org/education/dpsdisc/

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Thanks!

Contact:

Brian Shiroemail: brian.shiro@gmail.com or brian.shiro@noaa.govblog: http://www.astronautforhire.comtwitter: @brianshiro

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