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The geodesic dome that Carmel Johnston will be living in for the next year is referred to as the HI-SEAS Habitat. The habitat is 36 feet in diameter with approximately 878 square-feet of usable space (993 square feet total). The habitat includes a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, a lab, exercise area and common workspace. A second-floor loft is where the crew sleeps in six small rooms, large enough for sleeping. A steel shipping container attached to the habitat serves as a workshop. Electricity is derived from solar panels. An overcast day pictured means crews have to closely monitor how much energy is available and expended for daily activities. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Johnston)

The geodesic dome that Carmel Johnston will be living in for the next year is referred to as the HI-SEAS Habitat. The habitat is 36 feet in diameter with approximately 878 square-feet of usable space (993 square feet total). The habitat includes a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, a lab, exercise area and common workspace. A second-floor loft is where the crew sleeps in six small rooms, large enough for sleeping. A steel shipping container attached to the habitat serves as a w…

September 6, 2015

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Local scientist heads up research team — Makings of Mars
September 6, 2015 9 p.m.

Local scientist heads up research team — Makings of Mars

Makings of Mars

At 3:15 p.m. on Aug. 29, Whitefish resident Carmel Johnston began a year in relative isolation on a barren slope of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii.