POINT MUGU : Laser Experiment to Cast Beam Over Sea
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Researchers conducting scientific tests at Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center are activating a laser that casts a bright green, narrow beam of light over the ocean in the nighttime sky.
The experiments, which will continue through October, test how well a new laser device forecasts weather and atmospheric conditions that could affect Navy radar and radio equipment, Navy officials said.
The Navy is testing the device, which is designed to measure atmospheric pressure up to 80,000 feet high, in collaboration with researchers from Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, Pa. Point Mugu spokesman Alan Alpers said.
If it proves successful, the Navy will use the laser device to measure atmospheric conditions during future military missions.
Researchers chose to conduct the tests at Point Mugu partly to see how well the measuring device performs in coastal areas. Navy officials expect future military conflicts worldwide to occur mainly in coastal regions, according to a Navy statement.
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