Page 43 – NSSL News

A tribute to the “Father of NEXRAD”

Posted in People News on February 8, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

For many in the weather radar community, Dale Sirmans is recognized as the father of the NEXt-Generation RADar (NEXRAD). As the lead engineer and principal architect of NSSL’s first 10-cm Doppler weather radar, his leadership and guidance helped bring Doppler radar to the National Weather Service. Sirmans recently passed away on December 23 in Albertville, Ala., at 76, and we wanted to celebrate his five decades of contributions to weather radar, weather science and to the careers of future engineers and scientists.

NSSL deploys mobile radar to help with winter weather forecasts

Posted in Forecast Research News, Research News on February 8, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

NSSL deployed the NOAA X-Pol mobile radar in southwestern Colorado over the weekend as part of the Southwest Colorado Radar project to collect data on snowfall in the area. The project continues through the end of February, 2011.

Dave’s most significant awards

Posted in Talks and Articles on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

There is a long list of awards Dave has received, but the following he considers the most significant.

An office and a workbench

Posted in Radar on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

With calls for his launch teams to report to the vehicle bay late at night to intercept approaching storms, it has been hard to tell Dave is trying to retire.

Helping with NASA’s lightning issues

Posted in Forecast Research News, People News on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

Dave was NOAA Advisor during the launches of two Viking spacecraft, using surface and airborne electric field measurements to determine the risk of lightning during launches, and declaring “go,” or “no-go” for launch.

Observations test theories

Posted in People News, Warning Research News on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

NSSL’s fleet of mobile research facilities (excluding mobile radars) have been under Dave’s watchful eye and direction for decades.

Dave Rust

Posted in People News on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

NSSL’s Dave Rust is retiring today, and we wanted to honor his significant, even revolutionary contributions, to thunderstorm science, especially through observation platforms.

Prickly situation

Posted in Perspectives, Photo of the Month on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

Dave Rust tries to figure out how to extract an Electric Field Meter from a cactus!

Partnerships

Posted in Outreach News on January 6, 2011 by Susan Cobb.

Probably the most important partnership in Dave’s life has been with his wife of almost 45 years, Linda.

W-PING project begins

Posted in Research News on December 8, 2010 by Susan Cobb.

NSSL will collect dual-polarization radar data along with public weather observations during 2010-2011 winter weather events in the Winter Precipitation Identification Near the Ground (W-PING) project. The volunteer surface observations are merged with what the…