Colorado SuperGraphic a Hit at Unveiling

BOULDER, Colo. - In a state known for its majestic Rocky Mountains, and world-class skiing, the last thing you'd expect to find is dozens of scientists monitoring weather on a star that's temperature exceeds 15 million degrees at its core.

Yet Boulder is home to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an organization that monitors atmospheric weather in space and on the sun. And on May 23, U-Haul gave much deserved recognition to 40-year-old NOAA and it's home state by unveiling the Colorado SuperGraphic.

The SuperGraphic features an illustration of the Earth and its magnetic field as well as a bright orange, yellow and red illustration of the sun's surface when it undergoes one of the most phenomenal visions of the sun's weather - solar flares.

The SuperGraphic was unveiled in front of more than 250 scientists, meteorologists, weather experts and satellite users who were attending NOAA's two-day Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites Data Users Conference. Representatives from U-Haul, NOAA and Boulder's deputy mayor discussed the importance of NOAA's role and how U-Haul wanted to recognize the organization's efforts.

"The work these scientists and researchers do is fascinating," stated Jennifer Flachman, director of public and media relations for U-Haul. "It was great to see them so enthused about our SuperGraphic. Everyone wanted to get a closer look to examine the details of the graphic and to find Sammy U!"

NOAA uses highly advanced imaging systems and sensors on Earth and in space to monitor the weather on the sun, paying close attention to changes or extreme conditions that could alter the Earth's magnetic field. NOAA keeps a variety of organizations and agencies informed of space weather conditions to ensure the safety of astronauts as well as pilots flying near the Earth's North and South poles where the magnetic field can be the most vulnerable.

The organization also provides assistance in predicting weather on Earth (including severe conditions from droughts to hurricanes) as well as advising on the migration path of marine life and other animals that use atmospheric condition as their guide.

To learn more about NOAA, solar flares and space weather, visit the Colorado SuperGraphic site.