By Jim Piacentini
If you see a helicopter pulling a large big ring. It’s not a UFO.
The helicopter and ring were recently spotted at Bult Field conducting a study.
This is a study by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) of the Illinois River Basin. It will cover 2,300 miles in 12 full days in 3-4 weeks depending on the weather.
The helipcopter will be flying pre-planned flight paths and pretty close to the ground. The helicopter is carrying a 60 foot ring with a sensor, weighing 1⁄2 ton over ground and water. The ring can go as low as 1.00 feet into the water. It sends an electro magnetic signal that shows a 3d image of what is down there. The process is like an MRI instead of surgery. This method prevents them from having to drill holes all over.
The goal is to come up with a map of underground aquifers and ground water, where it’s all going and how fast. The survey is conducted by SkyTEM, an airborne geophysical company contracted by the USGS. The company works with the FAA to ensure all flights are safe and in accordance with the law.