The Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean claimed its namesake from the Latin name Mare Pacificum (peaceful sea), bestowed upon it by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. For most of Magellan’s voyage from the Strait of Magellan to the Philippines, the explorer did find the ocean peaceful; however, this is not always the case. Many tropical cyclones (typhoons – the equivalent of Atlantic hurricanes), batter the islands of the Pacific; the lands around the Pacific rim are full of volcanoes and often affected by earthquakes; tsunamis, caused by underwater earthquakes, have devastated many islands and destroyed entire towns. Because of this, the islands in the Pacific Ocean face natural disasters on a daily basis. The Pacific Ocean encompasses a third of the Earth’s surface, making it the largest body of water with an area of 69.4 million square miles (179.7 million square kilometers), an area significantly larger than the entire Earth’s landmass. The lowest point on earth, the Mariana Trench, lies in the Pacific Ocean at 35,797 feet (10,911 meters) below sea level. However, the average depth of the entire ocean is 14,000 feet (4,300 meters).
Labels: 2008, Jan 15
Satellite Television at Sea
In order to run efficiently, and conserve as much energy as possible, satellites beaming television signals are only directed towards huge land masses, where people live. Doesn’t it make sense not to beam a costly television transmission to the middle of the Atlantic or Pacific where there is no one to receive it? What does this mean for us onboard the ship? We have a 3.5 meter satellite dish situated on Sports Deck that is on a gyro to constantly hold the signal from the satellite, which it is tuned to, no matter the direction and/or movement of the ship. However, there are many variables still involved that sometimes hinder our reception. If we are sailing far from land, as in the middle of the Pacific or Atlantic, we tend to lose the signal. Also, sailing between two continents the signal can be lost as the satellite usually beams in one language for one continent, and then another satellite must be tuned in to acquire the same language in another continent. The position of the satellite dish on the ms Amsterdam, along with the ship’s position also affects the reception. Most satellites are over the equator, thus we must beam our dish towards the south, however, the dish is right behind the smoke stack of the ship, in order to protect it from the wind and elements. We appreciate your patience when interruptions occur. We do everything we can to restore the signal as quickly as possible. TV networks and program providers place many legal restrictions on what programs can be shown where. Please know that we offer most of the networks available to us by satellite in the areas in which we sail.
Labels: 2008, Jan 15
