Dr. Edie Widder entering the observation sphere of the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible. The submersible can dive to depths of 3000 feet carrying a pilot and scientist/observer in its observation sphere with two additional passengers in a separate rear dive chamber located behind the sphere. Dr. Widder has made more than 250 dives in this four person submersible, as well as in the single-person submersibles: Deep Rover, Deep Worker and Wasp - all three of which she is certified to pilot.

Photo: Tom Smoyer

October, 2003; Dr. Edie Widder in the rear dive chamber of the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible using a low light spectrometer fitted with a through-hull fiber optic penetrator. During this mission in the clear waters off the Bahamas, Dr. Widder recorded the deepest spectral measurements of downwelling irradiance ever made in the ocean.

Photo: Hugo Marrero