James Cameron's off to the bottom of the ocean

[glyn_ie]

...in just a few hours, weather permitting.

Check out these photos:

- Cameron's submarine
- Submarine spec
- Mariana Trench depth

And the official website: Deep Sea Challenge

Last visit to this part of the world was made by Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard (yep, the guy Cpt. Jean Luc Picard is named after I believe) in 1960. They stayed there for about 20 minutes. Cameron plans to stay there for about 6 hours and take soil samples, biological samples, set down traps and record video in 3D. His submarine has to be able to withstand some 16,000psi of pressure to do this, which is so great that the sub will be compressed up to 2.5 inches in the process.

It's pretty awesome if you ask me. I wish we could watch it live.

[glyn_ie]

Cameron Now at Ocean’s Deepest Point

As of 5:52 p.m. ET (7:52 a.m. on Monday, local time), James Cameron has arrived at the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep.

Dunno if anyone's interested, but...touchdown.

[rodrell]

It's pretty scary, when I think of it....I don't know if I could do it..

EDIT - I served in the Navy and I somewhat know how things are in there, maybe not first-hand but I've had discussions with officers who worked in subs and stuff...

[Sol_HSA]

Well, some people get buried alive for the experience. At least Cameron has the science aspect to back it up. And if things go wrong, a spectacular way to die.

[glyn_ie]

Deepest Solo Dive Makes History!

James Cameron completes record-breaking Mariana Trench dive.

Well, he made it back alright. Congratulations to him I say, that's some pretty scary stuff. But honestly, I'd love to do it. That sub's pretty safe.

I did think of two new dangers though that I'm not sure they considered: Crashing into something (like a big whale) on the decent, or having one of the robotic arms get stuck on something at the bottom. (Probably best not to think about.)

Let's face it, he's probably found nothing but a bizarre looking fish or two and a whole load of dirt. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing the footage and watching the video log. You know, when I started reading about this, I didn't think much of it, but over time I started getting very enthusiastic and excited - and it's because it's undiscovered. Simply that. It's a place we've never been. And it made me realize how much I wish there were new ventures for mankind to embark on...if only we could get warp drive functional! The possibilities are infinite.

[rodrell]

I liked his statement when he completed his trek. He said:

-" It's the only time a human being, that hits rock bottom, feels so great..." , or something like that.