It was also an opportunity to check four heaters added to the tank to prevent ice formation.
The natural wonder is made up of ice formations that change constantly in response to the temperature.
This lack of surface protein provides a less favorable environment for ice formation.
In 2007 there was almost no ice formation except for a short period in March.
When used at high concentrations, cryoprotectants stop ice formation completely.
The ice formation had split down the middle to produce not one but two enormous creatures.
Around them, the ice formations had taken on an unsettling new character.
The effects on ice formations of an increasing in temperature will accelerate.
These attachment points will now be warmed by heaters to prevent ice formation there.
Very similar ice formations were seen on earlier missions.