HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — An international mix of students and advisors participating in the International Space Weather Camp (ISWC) internship were welcomed to the United States and Huntsville at a dinner at Rhythm on Monroe on Sunday, July 9.
Students from South Africa, Germany and the Southeastern U.S. arrived in Huntsville on Saturday, July 8, from South Africa, where they had spent two weeks working with space weather researchers and doing research projects. Their ISWC research experience continues for another two weeks with experts in the field during selected topics courses at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where they will be until July 23.
Launched in 2011, ISWC annually provides an opportunity for students to learn about space physics in the context of understanding the influence of the sun on the space and upper atmosphere of the Earth and its related impact on the technological systems and needs of modern society.
The ISWC internship includes lectures, hands-on projects, experiments and excursions as participants learn both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of space weather and solar and space physics.
Three first-time ISWC interns say they found the South Africa experience rewarding.
“I really learned a lot from the lectures,” says Nico Gebauer, a physics major from the University of Rostock in Germany, who appreciates the immersive experience. “Here, I could really learn something deep,” he says, rather than the general physics he usually studies. “The second week we did projects, and I really enjoyed that. It is so good to work in a group together on a project.”
Kendall Jarvis, a rising junior and physics major at Tulane University, says the group working on the project she was involved with in South Africa plans to continue the research beyond ISWC.
“My school doesn’t offer space weather or astrophysics, and so this was a great introduction to it,” Jarvis says.
She initially got interested in ISWC because she was exploring studying in South Africa, and while that opportunity has passed, she values being able to spend productive time there.
“I really liked learning about the various cultures,” she says. “I am considering whether to go into space weather or medical physics, and this experience has made that choice harder.”
Kaitlyn Hamaver, a senior in physics with a concentration in astronomy and math at The University of Alabama, says learning about South Africa was satisfying and rewarding.
“I really learned a lot about the country itself,” she says.
The experience taught her more about how the Global Positioning System tracks and logs cell phones, a topic she’s interested in.
“It was just amazing,” Hamaver says. “I had the best time ever. I would recommend this literally to anyone who has the chance to do it.”
