Crew 214 EVA Report 31-Oct-2019
EVA # 4
Author: Andrew Wheeler
Purpose of EVA: Geological Sampling
Start time: 1000
End time: 1200
Narrative: The second EVA for science saw us traversing to the Tank Wash location #2 at 518477E 4253767N where we commenced setting out the 100 square metre (100 1m x 1m plots) sampling grid.
This location appears to be a relatively undisturbed natural surface that hasn’t undergone recent erosion or weathering. It is sufficiently away from the hab that metallic residue won’t contaminate the surface and appears to be upwind of vehicular and pedestrian activity.
A secondary experiment was a test of material brought to the surface by ants at a nest adjacent to the sampling grid. It was hypothesized that the magnetic material of a terrestrial origin may be present and would contaminate the micrometeorite sample material. Using a small neodymium magnet, it was observed that there was zero magnetic material located on the anthill.
A tertiary experiment was the use of a heliograph as an emergency communications method. There is a line of sight from the Cactus Road #1 location at 519570E 4251974N to the hab. With radio communications established and the hab personnel alerted, the heliograph operated as expected and was observed and recorded at the hab.
Destination: Drove from the hab along Cow Dung Road to Tank Wash and then returned to Galileo Road and the junction it has with Cactus Road.
Coordinates (use UTM NAD27 CONUS): 518477E 4253767N
Participants: Andrew Wheeler, Sandy Dance
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road to Tank Wash