Posted on

Observations for 2021 August 13


In the dark last night I noticed some blue flashes under the boardwalks at several locations. It would appear that the research group has never heard of something called "electrical tape" and how it can be used to cover small lights and not make something so obvious. Also, the sensor for Sawmill is located in Scalloped Spring's runoff area, which isn't where I'd put it.

This morning the call for Beehive's Indicator interrupted our breakfast, but fortunately we were able to shove things into the refrigerator and get out in plenty of time. It was a windless morning, and warm, so the water column looked nicely tall. Also, I saw the Base Vent splashing around the time the Indicator quit.

From there it was time to rush out to Grand. Got out there just in time. Had just passed Rift when the water column started to rise. Was also able to see that Turban had yet to start. This One Burst Grand eruption had an interval of less than six hours.

The midday Grand arrived right when Turban started. So I got to get the interval duration for the Turban Delay, over 36 minutes. At around the 30 minute mark, Grand had a couple of strong boops, then proceeded to drop. Fortunately, the Turban Delay was only two short intervals, and we even got a second burst after an initial burst duration of nine minutes. The second burst lasted well over two minutes and was followed by the start of West Triplet.

Headed out for the nighttime Grand and Sawmill started just as we walked by. That was kind of the highlight of the evening, as we didn't light up the One Burst Grand because there were others out there and they weren't using lights either. But the moon will headed toward full, so the best time for nighttime Grand eruptions is starting.

Here's a rule of thumb I use for Grand bursts-- If the first burst is under 8m15s, a second burst is nearly certain. Between 8m15s and 9m00s, a second is likely, but not guaranteed. From 9m00s to 10m00s, a second is possible, but decreasinly unlikely. After ten minutes, start seeing how long it can continue, usually in Big Sawmill mode.