The thermographic camera (FIRST Navy) is mounted on a gimbal which is located on the platform ahead of the crow's nest and provides a 360°, 5-Hz video of thermal (Infrared) radiance in the LWIR band. Visual observation of the thermographic video on the computer screens allows spotting snow covered leads in the sea ice and marine mammals (including polar bears), both day and night. The 360° image usually extends from about 100m from the ship to the horizon, although the aft sector, an approximately 60° field of view, is blocked by the crow's nest itself.
The full live image stream is available in the scientific working room on the A-deck, while a approximately 45°segment with selectable bearing is displayed on a dimmable monitor on the bridge. |