Lauder photo gallery

Science Centres: Atmosphere

Images from the last 50 years of the Lauder research station

The official opening of Lauder 1961: Bob Unwin discusses auroral all sky camera measurements. From left: W M Hamilton (Director General DSIR), Mrs J George, Hon G George (MP for Otago), RS Unwin (Officer – in charge)	The original International Geophysical Year (IGY) team at Awarua, Invercargill - before the move to Central Otago. Left to right, rear: Mike Gadsden, Bill Ireland, Bob Unwin. Front: Maurie Poletti, Des Rowles, Colin Lewis, Alex Ayton.
R.S.Unwin, BSc., DSc., FNZIP	Auroral spectrograph. Dr Mike Gadsden adjusts a spectrometer used to identify different “excited” gases in the aurora. Mike Gadsden was an optics specialist.
A balloon-borne xray detector package is released from Campbell Island, January 1970. Credit: Campbell Island staff	The first buildings at the Auroral Station, 1960. Credit: Martin Unwin
The official tour of the new Dominion Physical Laboratory Auroral Station on 7 April, 1961. Bob Unwin points out features to the local MP, Mr J. George and Mrs George.	Aurora arise when particles from the solar wind collide with air in the upper atmosphere at altitudes of 100-400km. The process is akin to that in a fluorescent tube.
Paul Johnston checks a narrow beam radar antenna. 1978	An observer checks bearings prior to visual auroral observations in Antarctica. 1960s.
ISIS satellite telemetry. Pat Helm & Alan Cresswell take a satellite “ pass” at Lauder 1974.	The original radar on top of Bluff Hill, Southland. The southern most point of New Zealand’s mainland 1957
Technical expert Des Rowles demonstrates the use of an instrument to measure the strength of the earth’s magnetic field. (also Neil Thompson, Mike Andrews, and Don Stedman) 1980. Measurement of changes in the magnetic field of the earth were maintained as part of New Zealand’s international obligations to world-wide network.	Bill Campbell with ISIS satellite prototype in Ottawa, Canada. Credit: Gordon Keyes
Tracy Beck and Des Rowles prepare an ozone sonde for launch. Credit: Gordon Keyes	Artificial aurora as seen in Western Samoa. Credit: Gordon Keyes
Aurora photographed from Lauder. Credit: Paul Johnston	The New Zealand flag flies above the new Mexico state flag on the “DogBox”. Credit: Des Rowles.
Local farmers help in laying cables to the “ Whistler hut”	Lauder’s first computer. Credit: Paul Johnston
Scientists work in the area housing the Netherlands lidar ( laser detection and ranging) system at Lauder.	A technician checks the equipment recording the ozone data transmitted from the sonde.
UV radiation sensors on the roof of the optics building	Lidar beams from lauder probe the night sky.
Alan Thomas on optics building roof with sun tracker.	Gordon keys en route to Bryd Station, Antarctica, 1967.
Lauder in snow, 1963. Credit: Des Rowles	Lauder.
NIWA Lauder as seen from the air ca. 2000	This instrument is basically the same as that invented by Dobson in the 1920’s to measure the ozone column above the site. It has been partially superseded by satellite and other techniques.
Gordon Keys adjusting a high resolution instrument for Antarctica.	An all sky camera developed at Lauder to measure cloud cover.
Aurora overhead in Antarctica