PlanetSolar, the world's largest solar boat, is currently docked at Boston's Fan Pier Marina with scientists from the University of Geneva aboard, marking the third leg of an American tour that's seen the giant floating solar panel cruising through New York and Miami to date.
"The researchers are sailing on the largest solar boat ever built in order to successfully carry out the ‘PlanetSolar DeepWater’ expedition," according to the ship's blog, "which aims to analyze the Gulf Stream, one of the most important regulators of European and North American climates."
PlanetSolar is a colossal catamaran that operates solely on energy derived from light. The additional removable parts allow it to expose more than 5,000 square feet of photovoltaic surface (solar panels) to the sun.
Boston was a natural stop for the vessel, as our state's capital is recognized for research and advancements in the fields of technology, innovation and oceanography. Institutions including the Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Museum of Science, Greentown Labs, the MIT Energy Club and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute will all be involved in the visit.
‘This project fits perfectly with our University’s missions: education, research, and service to the community," says Jean-Dominique Vassalli, rector of UNIGE. "Geneva is the birthplace of global governance, therefore her involvement in such an adventure was inherent. In fact, at the heart of the city of Calvin, international organizations and key decision makers are addressing the challenges of climate change."
Public conferences will take place to discuss the environmental issues at hand, but kids can also get in on the act by participating in the model solar boat workshop at the Children's Museum. A temporary exhibit is also on display for everyone to enjoy at the Boston Science Museum. For more information about PlanetSolar's visit to Boston, click here.
All images via Susan Young
