📡 Recovery of an Air Force probe

Recovery of an Air Force probe, a probe for the study of meteorology, thanks to the suggestion of PIRS Sicily

The recovery basin

On May 20th I was contacted as Isoladelgiglio.com, by a Sicilian association that organizes and gathers science, radio, and astronomy enthusiasts. In the meantime, the pleasure of dealing with Sicilians. It interested me immediately. They then told me that no one else had responded to their warning: a meteorological probe of the Air Force fell on the Isola del Giglio. This probe obviously contains a GPS transmitter, I said to myself. They give me the coordinates and tell me that it should be recovered.

Certainly the plastic material should not be left in the open countryside I said to myself. So I went to see the place after I analyzed the satellite map. With great precision these guys from the P.I.R.S SICILIA group (Pronto Intervento Recupero Sonde) calculated not only the landing, but also the tolerance of deviation from the precise point: it was the Pentovaldo, an area full of brambles, in a steep valley. I said to myself: I'll kill myself here. So I thought of calling Alessandra Bancalà, a professional environmental guide who, armed with snowshoes and a "naturalistic guide" dog, also accompanied me. So on May 22nd we set off. Alessandra, an expert in trails and areas on the Giglio Island, took me to the Pentovaldo. So, keeping in mind that I had only seen the parachute of the probe during the first sighting from the road, and keeping in mind the deviation suggested by the PIRS technician, I started cutting the brambles. I brought the chainsaw and the pruning shears. Thorny gorse, thick brambles, there was everything.

At a certain point along the way I said to myself: what did I come here to do in this bramble patch! But then I was interested in seeing this probe. I also thought that maybe it had been in space, at least in the ionosphere, and so the thing intrigued me. I decided to continue even though there was a small decline with a granite slab under the brambles. I cut the branches and I saw it! It was strong, above all well preserved, it had not broken among the thorns. Between the probe and the parachute there was the burst balloon. A very strong silk thread joined all the components. Then I asked myself if the balloon had burst on command or if it had been due to the depression in the high spheres of the sky. So even the Giglio Island had its military probe. Great. I had done it. I attach the link to the YouTube channel and the website, so you can see what their interesting initiatives are.

Useful links and references of the Naturalistic Guide Aleggandra Bancala

With a variety of routes, the Isola del Giglio offers options for all levels of trekking enthusiasts. From coastal paths offering panoramic views of the crystal-clear sea to hikes through lush inland vegetation, there is something for everyone.

YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/@pirsitalia

Amateurs site link:

Blog about: PIRS Sicily.

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