UAH science and engineering students to study gamma rays in thunderstorms

In an exciting collaboration, UAH students in both science and engineering programs are preparing to go into the storm. The High Energy Lightning Emission Network will measure intense bursts of gamma rays made in the atmosphere during thunderstorms. Until now, they say satellites have been the only way to study those bursts. Sensors that took two years to develop will be launched by weather balloons eight to ten times over the next year. They hope to learn more about the gamma rays characteristics and its nuclear interaction. Scientists think intra-cloud and positive cloud-to-ground lightning are correlated with the rays. With this research, we also hope to understand if this poses a safety risk to pilots flying near a thunderstorm because terrestrial gamma-ray flashes produce large amounts of radiation, explained project lead, Christopher Helmerich.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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