WSU Students Will Conduct Tests With Nasa

Tue., Feb. 10, 1998

From Staff And Wire Reports

Washington State University students have been invited to conduct zero-gravity tests at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Eight physics students will crystallize plasma and bombard gas bubbles with sound waves in the NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities program, a WSU statement said.

Nathaniel Hicks of Cheney, Arthur Binner of Wenatchee, Erin Strobel of Woodinville and Betsy Weaver of Portland will conduct the plasma crystal experiments.

Jeremy Young of Puyallup, Susan Richardson and Scott Douthit of Richland, and Chris Breckon of Bellevue will conduct experiments on the bubble sonolumine-scence phenomena, which occurs when sound waves strike bubbles of gas, emitting sparks of light.

Students will spend two weeks in March in Houston. Tests will be done aboard a modified Boeing 707 flying in rapid ascents and descents to create a near zero-gravity environment.

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