• by Dr. Sarah Oktay, Director, University of Massachusetts Nantucket Field Station • Every summer two dangers come floating to the surface, one entertaining but unlikely, the anticipated and much feared great white shark attack, the other much less entertaining and sadly, very likely, in the form of blue green […]
Island Science
Creative Thinkers Needed for Naming
In continuation of their family-friendly tradition, Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) recently announced their annual naming contest. Last year, a pair of seahorses had the honor of being named (Hide and Seek) by an 8-year-old MMA patron. For this season, the MMA brings to the stage two very different critters: a […]
‘Suds’ on the Beach – SeaFoam
• by Dr. Sarah Oktay, Director, University of Massachusetts Nantucket Field Station • One of the most common questions I get each year is: “What is the foam I see on the water in the harbor or in salt ponds like Sesachacha or Hummock Pond?” This foam looks alarmingly like […]
Sail Into Science
• by Dr. Sarah Oktay, Director, University of Massachusetts Nantucket Field Station • This week’s column is designed to get you outdoors to work with visiting scientists and learn more about Nantucket’s diverse and fascinating plants and animals. For the first time, the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative is sponsoring a Citizen […]
Stations in the Field
• by Dr. Sarah Oktay, Director, University of Massachusetts Nantucket Field Station • I have a picture of myself with some high school friends arm in arm standing in the middle of a field facing the camera. The image always solicits an obvious “oldie but goody” joke, typical nostalgia for […]
Summer Pyrotechnics – Fireflies
• by Dr. Sarah Oktay, Director, University of Massachusetts Nantucket Field Station • The gentle glowing of fireflies that surround me at the UMass Boston Nantucket Field station is a welcome summer visitor. I was surprised when a group of students from Worcester was shocked and delighted to see these […]