connecting thru grasses IKG – week #3

Introduction:

If you haven’t planted your grass seed yet, there is still time! The seeds can be planted across the fall until the ground freezes. If you aren’t able to plant your seeds this fall, save them until spring and plant them then. Once you’ve planted your seeds, make sure to map their coordinates on the google map documenting the project. Instructions as to how to use the map can be found on the signup page.

In Preparation:

Ideally: find a location(s) outdoors or near to an open window as you perform your prompts.

Before considering your prompts: find out what time the TERRA satellite will be overhead of your location:

1. First, check out the satellite timetable I’ve prepared below – it provides dates and times for when TERRA will pass overhead of Calgary. If you’d like more info on how this was generated, see our first email prompt.

2. While it isn’t critical that TERRA be overhead at precisely the time when you perform each prompt (though it is encouraged!), consider that satellites are often above you taking images of the earth below.

Here’s when TERRA will be overhead Calgary this week:

I realized I made an error in our timetables the past 2 weeks, and omitted some daytime passes. You can also track TERRA, and view all satellites overhead on this map.

Prompt Three (week #3):

Here is a processed ASTER image of the Steepbank and Millennium mines taken near Fort McMurray, Alberta on the east bank of the Athabasca River. From NASA: These open pit mines produce oil sands that are processed to recover bitumen, and then upgrade it to refinery-ready raw crude oil, and diesel fuel. The ASTER images were acquired September 22, 2000 and July 31, 2007, cover an area of 22.5 x 25.5 km, and are located near 57 degrees north latitude, 111.5 degrees west longitude. Image Credit: NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team

The resolution of images captured by the TERRA satellite range between 15 and 90 metres (or, 49 and 295 ft). That means: one pixel of image represents a square of about 15m x 15m (up to 90m x 90m) on the earth.

Put another way, the satellite can only differentiate between things on the ground that are at least 15m apart (or, if less resolution, 90m apart). That’s not a lot of detail.

1. Wherever you are (outside if you can), imagine you’re within a 15m x 15m square.
2. As you imagine your 15m square, take note of the how the air smells.
3. What within your 15m square would blend into your own image from TERRA’s perspective?
4. What around you might TERRA miss by collapsing such a distance? 

This is the final prompt and email for connecting thru grasses. If you haven’t planted your grass seed yet, there is still time (weather permitting!). Plan to visit the location you have had in mind as you’ve considered these prompts and, if you can, plant your seeds while TERRA passes overhead. If you’re unable to plant your seeds during the fall, hold onto them for spring – or share them with someone who will be sure to help get them in the ground.

Don’t forget to map your planting location(s) on our collective google places map.