The cold load cryostat has been getting prepped for use. This is a black plate that’s made cold so that, to Spider, it looks about the same as the sky. It’s useful for detector characterization.
And today, because we were busy waiting for the cryostat to cool again, we had another day off. Barth got a cheap radio-controlled airplane, and we also obtained some BB guns. (The locals might laugh at our piddly weapons, but we had fun anyway. Maybe eventually we’ll ask them for access to some gunnier guns.)
Cold load cryostat
Instead of cooling detectors, it cools a black plate. This is similar to how the sky looks to Spider
Cold load closer
It's purpose is to fool the detectors into thinking they're looking at the sky
Ziggy sorts filters
For keeping the cold load cold
Ed installs filters
Circuit-cleaning baby toothbrushes
Anne demonstrates their use. I got to try them earlier, but don't have a picture of myself
Laika
Because who doesn't like more dog
Ziggy takes aim with the new Daisy air rifle
He was the first to do so in good light
No satisfied, Bill got a CO2-powered semi-automatic BB pistol
Also, notice Peace Corps shirt
Jamil shoots
When shooting, Jamil projects a distortion field that keeps him out of focus. I have much evidence of this...
Jon looking cool
Jon takes aim
He was quite good at this
Anti-aircraft Bill
Shot down the RC airplane
Barth's RC airplane (now with more holes)
He's not so sad about the damage
Anne prepares for target practice
Professor-student target-toppling race
Aiming at tennis balls on top of pylons
Pumping required
Making the rifle much slower. But increased accuracy means Anne still won the race
Jamil and his distortion field
Now with a laser sight
Forza Spider!