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The Dynamic Duo headed west and stopped at Soudan when they
saw this
unusual
installation.
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Hmmmm....this looks interesting! "Let's check it out,"
Paula said.
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The next thing they knew, they were 2341 feet
below the surface and 689 feet below sea level.
The trip took 2 minutes
and 45 seconds via a high-speed elevator.
They boarded a mine railroad. Now what?
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A high speed trip through the mine. Where
are they going?
|
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The tour guide stopped to show off mining machinery that was
used back when this mine was producing the richest iron ore in the country.
A hose delivered compressed air to make the machine run.
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Lots to see. Keep your hat on, Paula, there
might be falling rocks!
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Miners 100 years ago used candle light to see
where they were going and what they were doing.
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Then it was off to see a high energy physics lab in the mine.
This one is run by the
University of Minnesota,
hosting scientists from around the world, studying dark matter.
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A huge mural on the wall depicts the work that seeks to
understand the forces of our solar system.
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Yes, the more scientists learn the more questions
they have. It is a never ending cycle of trying to find answers to the
universe.
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More and more data is compiled. When will
it be fully understood? Good question!
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Fortunately the elevator operator was a reliable guy. He
hasn't dropped an elevator.....yet!!!! |
A very interesting trip. Mark
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