The train driver in the courtyard

"Comrade Li Aiguo, can we activate the reflecting large equatorial mount tomorrow? This is crucial for the sunspot observation project."

Inside the observatory's dome observation room.

After learning that the case had been investigated and that Li Aiguo was an old friend of Zhao Jiuzhang, Professor Huang stopped asking about other things and stared at him with burning eyes.

Li Aiguo looked at the thin old scholar with graying temples and nodded solemnly: "From now on, the observatory will resume normal observations!"

"Okay, I'll get ready now."

Professor Huang didn't care about Li Aiguo's identity or whether Representative Chen would stay or go. He turned to look at the other professors and urged them, "Old Chen, Xiao Qi, we can start working again. Don't just stand there."

Before he finished speaking, he turned around and walked out quickly, as if delaying even a second longer would be a sin.

A young professor came over and gave Li Aiguo an awkward smile: "I am Qi Deming, a first-level researcher. Comrade Li, Professor Huang has a bad temper..."

Before he finished speaking, Professor Huang's voice came from outside the window, urging: "Where are the people? Hurry up."

Qi Deming smiled bitterly at Li Aiguo and shook his head, then turned around and trotted after his colleague.

Looking at the hurried backs of a group of scholars, Li Aiguo truly felt the sincerity of the scientific researchers of that era.

He had wanted to mention the plan for joint meteorological research, but for now he had to put it on hold.

But there is no need to rush. Although the case at the observatory has been resolved, there are still many trivial matters that need to be dealt with.

"Old Chen, I'll leave the finalization of the case to you, is that ok?" Li Aiguo turned to Representative Chen.

The other party was startled at first, then quickly responded: "I'll do it right away."

Zhou Ke looked at Representative Chen's departing back and leaned in to whisper, "Aren't you afraid that he might do something secretly?"

"He won't."

"Why are you so trusting?"

“Because I’m standing here.”

Speak confidently.

Indifferent attitude.

Be confident.

Zhou Ke suddenly realized that the brother who used to pee and play in the mud with him at the alley had already developed the bearing to look down on the chess game on the invisible battlefield.

Representative Chen's finishing work was perfect.

The entire case was then reported to superiors and a symposium was held.

In the evening, Jinling Junqu issued an order for the special investigation team led by Representative Chen to immediately evacuate the observatory, and the subsequent work was fully presided over by the former director Ma Dezhang.

At the same time, the convoy of supplies allocated by the Jinling Office drove into the mountain road.

Two large trucks were loaded with refined white flour and sanitary oil, and nearly 200 kilograms of pork were stacked in the truck trunks, which caused cheers from the researchers who had just returned to work.

This batch of supplies is not just supplies.

It is also the focus of attention from above.

Li Aiguo learned the news at Lao Xu's training ground.

"Swish!" A cold light flashed across the tips of his hair, and Lao Xu's knife was as fast as lightning.

Li Aiguo turned around and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the attack by combining his waist and horse. The blade grazed his scalp, stirring up fine grass debris.

"Master, you have no moral principles! How can you attack someone while discussing something?"

"I'm asking you, where is this?"

"The training ground."

"No, this is a battlefield! It's a life-and-death battlefield." Lao Xu pointed the tip of his knife at Li Aiguo without any guilt. "On the battlefield, the only goal is to kill the enemy and survive. In order to achieve this goal, it is normal to use some tricks."

"Master, thank you for your teaching." Li Aiguo bowed to Lao Xu, picked up the big knife and rushed forward again.

Staff Officer Xiao was laughing secretly beside him.

Punches beat the young and swords chop the old. Although Lao Xu's mantis sword technique has reached the pinnacle, he seems a little struggling after a confrontation with Li Aiguo, who has mastered the sword technique just after learning it.

For this damn competitive spirit, Lao Xu even used tactics he had learned on the battlefield.

Ding ding ding. The blades of the two swords crossed each other. Amidst the flashes of swords and sabers, Li Aiguo suddenly ducked and slid forward. The blade swept past Lao Xu's ribs, but suddenly turned when it touched the clothes, and the blade was placed across the opponent's throat three inches away.

Old Xu's pupils suddenly shrank and he was shocked to find that cold sweat had seeped out of the back of his neck. This kid actually used the "feign defeat to lure the enemy" tactic he taught him in reverse.

"Good boy!" Old Xu put away his sword and took three steps back, his chest rising and falling violently, "I haven't seen you for a few days, and your sword skills have become more fierce!"

"It's all taught well by the master."

"Ahem, I ate too many pickles this morning and got a stitch in the side... Let's rest for a while and then we can practice again."

"Master, do you still remember that this is the 'battlefield'?"

Old Xu glared at him, handed the knife to Li Aiguo, and walked to the stone table and sat down. "Stinky boy, practice later!"

Li Aiguo handed Lao Xu's broadsword and his own sword to Xiao, poured tea for Lao Xu, held the cup with both hands and bowed to offer it: "Master, thank you for your guidance this time."

"Why are you thanking me? If anything, I should thank you."

Old Xu took the enamelware pot with a smile, took a sip and said, "After this heavy rain, Jinling has become a solid rear base. I can also take some time to see what the monkey family next door is doing."

Staff Officer Xiao was standing nearby with a knife in his hand. When he heard this, his eyes turned stern.

He took two steps back inconspicuously, gave a wink to the guards, and they retreated silently to the outside of the crescent gate.

The small courtyard instantly became quiet.

It was a hot summer day, but Li Aiguo felt a chill on the back of his neck.

It is well known that the monkeys in the mountains like to make trouble and jump around.

But that's all for the future.

Why is Lao Xu thinking about playing with monkeys now? !
Old Xu was immersed in excitement and did not notice Li Aiguo's abnormality. He continued, "The old leader is having a lot of fun now. Some people in this big family have started to get scared and are thinking of doing something to cause trouble for us."

These matters involved very high levels, and although Lao Xu spoke very obscurely, Li Aiguo understood them clearly.

Master Lu once said: "A butterfly flapping its wings in North America can cause a storm in the rain forest of South America."

Li Aiguo is now this butterfly.

What he had done had caused a series of reactions.

These reactions in turn caused more reactions, forming a chain reaction.

"Is this also the reason why you attach importance to trench diggers?"

Li Aiguo originally invented the trench digger in preparation for dealing with monkeys.

I thought Lao Xu just liked this kind of large military machinery and wanted to add new equipment to the team, but now it seems that Lao Xu has already taken a step ahead of him.

One cannot help but admire the foresight of these old predecessors.

Lao Xu said with some jealousy: "Didn't you make tanks for the old commander? A while ago, at a meeting in Beijing, that guy was so proud that he claimed that with those tanks, he could sweep across the subcontinent."

have to.

The master is angry.

Li Aiguo smiled and said: "Master, don't worry, in addition to the trench digger, I have another good treasure."

"What treasure?" Old Xu suddenly became interested. "It can't be worse than the old commander's tank, or I'll punish you!"

Looking at the fierce-looking Lao Xu, Li Aiguo pointed to the sky and said, "Weather forecast."

"???" Old Xu's mind was full of questions: "Weather forecast? What does this have to do with hitting monkeys?"

Li Aiguo took a sip of tea leisurely and explained, "The weather in Monkey Mountain is completely different from ours. It rains frequently there. Even if we are equipped with heavy machinery, it will not be able to play its due role if it rains. Once we know the weather in advance, we can prepare in advance."

Lao Xu still tilted his head: "Do you think the master doesn't understand these things? Don't you see that meteorological work is under the management of the team? The key is how to accurately predict the weather."

Li Aiguo stopped smiling and straightened his face: "At present, there are numerical methods for weather forecasting abroad, and the forecast accuracy is as high as 60%. As long as the Red Star Computing Institute, Jinling Geophysical Institute, and Jinling Astronomical Observatory work together, we will be able to develop our own weather forecast system."

These words hit Lao Xu like a hammer in the heart.

There are three elements in war: the right time, the right place, and the right people.

The so-called "time" ultimately refers to the control of the weather.

This veteran general who has experienced many battles knows only too well the importance of accurately predicting weather conditions to war.

Lao Xu suddenly stood up and slapped Li Aiguo's shoulder with his iron-like palm: "Good boy! You are worthy of being my good apprentice. You speak with a powerful bomb as soon as you open your mouth! I will leave this matter to you. If you need equipment and people, just ask!"

Li Aiguo secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In this era of highly confidential meteorological research, without Lao Xu's "imperial sword", cross-departmental cooperation would be nothing short of a fantasy.

After resting for a long time, Li Aiguo was full of strength. He stood up with great interest and said, "Master, shall we continue the competition?"

Old Xu suddenly covered his stomach, his face flushed: "Ahem! I drank too much tea, I have to go to the toilet..." Before he finished speaking, he quickly disappeared around the corner of the corridor.

Li Aiguo: "."

Staff Officer Xiao: “.”

Although he was practicing alone, Lao Xu still assigned Li Aiguo a few sparring partners who were good at swordsmanship.

There were clinking sounds on the training ground, and Li Aiguo became more and more fond of the mantis sword technique.

This mantis sword technique imitates the swift and fierce movement of a mantis catching a cicada. The sword moves out as cunningly as a sickle hooking a crescent moon, and ends as neatly as a cicada flapping its wings. Sometimes it is like a mantis folding its arms to gather strength, and sometimes it is like a sharp blade stabbing to take the soul.

They practiced until the evening. Li Aiguo put away his knife, bowed to his fellow practitioners, and prepared to go to the study to consult Lao Xu about some problems he had discovered during the practice.

Staff Officer Xiao came to inform us that Lao Xu had flown to Beijing on a special plane.

Well, it seems that I can only study on my own recently. Li Aiguo originally planned to return to Factory 219 to deal with subsequent matters, but he received a call from the Jinling Observatory.

The Jinling Observatory was going to hold a dinner in the evening and invited Li Aiguo and comrades from the Jinling Meteorological Station to attend.

After receiving the news, Li Aiguo drove his jeep back to the weather station and brought Xing Zhi, Lao Mao and Zhou Ke to the observatory.

The banquet was very rich in food.

Everyone was in high spirits during the meal. After all, now that the observatory’s big problems had been solved, they would be able to continue their joyful astronomical research in the future, and everyone must be very happy.

Director Ma talked a lot with Li Aiguo. After all, he had learned from Zhao Jiuzhang that Li Aiguo was a train driver and a front-line worker, different from those who worked in administration.

Li Aiguo was also interested in the Jinling Observatory. In his previous life, he had visited here and spent 15 yuan on the ticket.

Because the two of them were chatting quite enthusiastically.

Talking about the observatory's ongoing sunspot observation project, Li Aiguo couldn't help but ask Director Ma: "Ma, do you think it's possible to make a simple grid projection device to improve the measurement accuracy of sunspot positions and areas?"

Before Director Ma could speak, a young researcher smiled and said, "Comrade Aiguo, you are really good at catching Dieter.

But in the field of astronomical observation, I am still a layman.

At present, in addition to us, there are several other institutions in China that are conducting sunspot observations.

The size and shape of the projection device will affect the observation results. If the data from different sources differ greatly in the future, it will definitely cause big trouble.”

Before Li Aiguo could answer, Ma Taizi glared at him and said, "Do you think it's just a simple board?"

After saying that, Ma Taizi turned his head and looked at Li Aiguo: "Comrade Aiguo, in addition to driving trains, have you also studied astronomy? This proposal is not something that an outsider can come up with."

Li Aiguo smiled and shook his head: "No, I am indeed a layman. I have only worked in the manufacture of steam engines. I think that in the early years, the specifications of steam engine parts were messy, and there were hundreds of kinds of screws alone.

By establishing unified standards, we have achieved the commonality of parts across different vehicle models, which not only facilitates maintenance but also reduces production costs.

If this idea is introduced into astronomical observation and a nationwide unified grid projection device is designed, the data compatibility problem may be solved.”

After hearing this, Director Ma's eyes lit up: "Unifying the standards is a good idea. If all domestic observatories are equipped with the same grid projection device, it will not affect the observation results."

After saying that, he turned to look at the researcher and said, "Listen! Even laymen can draw inferences from other cases, why can't you think of that?"

“How do I make this grid projection panel?”

At this moment, a figure rushed over. It was Professor Huang who had been staring at this side.

Professor Huang has been keeping his distance since the dinner started, not because he has any problem with Li Aiguo.

On the contrary, Zhao Jiuzhang once mentioned to him that the chief consultant of the Red Star Computing Institute might be able to take up the banner of scientific research in the future.

He felt that even if he had been cleared of any problems for the time being, he still had some stains on him, and he was unwilling to have too much contact with Li Aiguo, so as not to delay the future of this young talent.

Now that he had heard that it could improve sunspot observations, he could no longer hold back.

Li Aiguo had no intention of deliberately attracting Professor Huang.

The eyes of sunspots are the most important astronomical research in the country and have high scientific value.

It is only because the domestic astronomical observation means were limited in those years that many key observation data were missed.

Once these astronomical phenomena disappear, they will never be found again.

If it is possible to use the simple equipment of later generations to improve the ability to observe sunspots, Li Aiguo will naturally make a contribution.

Thinking of this, Li Aiguo continued: "I am an outsider and don't know much about astronomical research."

Director Chen put down his chopsticks and encouraged Li Aiguo: "Comrade Aiguo, laymen can often see problems that experts cannot find. Don't worry, tell me what you think."

Li Aiguo sat up straight and said, "Well, I've said this, it's just my personal opinion, professors and leaders, please don't mind it."

“I think the grid projection board can use frosted glass as the projection surface to ensure that the light is diffused.

Paint a precise grid of lines on the back of the projection board, preferably using black paint.”

Professor Huang couldn't help but ask, "How do we assemble it?"

Li Aiguo nodded and said, "You can use a clamp to connect the end of the astronomer's eyepiece, and install an adjustable focus lens group inside the tube to ensure that the image of the sun is fully projected onto the grid screen, and install a polarizing filter at the front end to reduce glare."

The researchers' mouths opened wider and wider.

The method mentioned by Li Aiguo seems simple, but it uses theoretical knowledge such as light transmission principle, focal length adjustment design, and lifting projection structure.

They still had some doubts in their minds, but they didn't dare to ask, so as not to affect Li Aiguo's thinking.

Li Aiguo went on to say: "We can also build a bracket system with three-axis adjustment and a ruler slide rail. At the same time, we can add a calibration light source, which can be done using a high-pressure mercury lamp and a pinhole plate."

“Finally, the grid distortion rate is verified by using a standard crosshair template.”

After the words were spoken, there was silence.

Director Chen originally thought that what Li Aiguo mentioned casually was just a plate of small vegetables.

As a result, Li Aiguo brought out a plate of delicacies from land and sea.

After thinking about it for a long time, Director Chen smiled and said, "Comrade Patriot is indeed worthy of being the one who invented the steam engine. He has a wide range of interests and has studied various disciplines. I have learned a lot. I have really learned a lot. In the future, our researchers cannot just focus on astronomical research. They need to learn more and more."

"You're welcome."

Professor Huang was silent for a moment, then picked up a glass of wine and handed it over: "Patriotic comrade, this glass of wine is for you."

Zhou Ke was watching from the side, marveling at the situation. Ever since he arrived at the banquet, he had always felt that this old professor was too weird. He was also worried that it would be difficult for Li Aiguo to carry out his next work.

After just a few words, the old professor took the initiative to toast.

Li Aiguo respected Professor Huang very much. He spoke modestly and quickly picked up the cup and drank it all.

At the end of the banquet, Director Ma struck while the iron was hot: "Patriotic comrade, the sunspot observation project is about to be restarted. Could you please take some time to guide the development of the grid device?"

Li Aiguo knew that Professor Huang was now focused on observing sunspots. If he didn't handle this, there would be no chance of getting him to do weather forecasting, so he agreed.

"I'll have someone prepare the materials right away."

The banquet ended with laughter and joy. Director Chen did not rest but urgently prepared the materials according to the list provided by Li Aiguo.

Professor Huang dragged Li Aiguo to his office and said, "Come on! Let's talk in detail!"

The so-called office is a study room. Apart from a desk and a chair, the room is full of books and materials.

Professor Huang gave the chair with broken legs to Li Aiguo, and moved a pile of books to make a stool and sat down himself.

"Comrade Aiguo, Lao Zhao talked to me on the phone and you seemed very interested in the weather forecast."

Li Aiguo nodded.

Professor Huang frowned and said, “Over the years, we have been working with Lao Zhao and others to study weather changes.

I know more than most people. Without equipment that can monitor the ground from high altitudes in real time, it is impossible to make accurate weather forecasts, even with foreign technology. "

This is what an expert is.

In an era when satellites had not yet been launched into space, Professor Huang had already predicted the emergence of meteorological satellites.

Li Aiguo smiled and said, "Do you know about foreign technology?"

"You should have read my file. When I was studying in Chicago, my mentor was Rossby."

Professor Huang nodded: "Sweden started using NWP to forecast weather three years ago. It is the most promising forecasting method, but the accuracy is too low."

“An inaccurate weather forecast is worse than no forecast at all.”

“So on the one hand, based on the long wave theory of the Chicago School, we strengthened the connection between meteorology and thermodynamics and dynamics, and enriched the physical basis of weather analysis and forecasting.

On the other hand, 101 local meteorological stations have been established across the country.

The two are combined, the local and the foreign are integrated, but every time there is severe convective weather, it is still blind. "

When he said this, Professor Huang was in a very depressed mood.

Every failure in the weather forecast is a blow to the old professor.

Li Aiguo asked: "Where do you think the problem lies?"

Professor Huang frowned: "One is that there are too few parameters, and the second is a numerical calculation problem."

Li Aiguo smiled and said: "The number of parameters can be solved by ground observation stations. We now have 101 local meteorological stations, which are enough to build a huge ground observation system across the country."

In this age that advocates "strength in numbers", manpower is often seen as the key to breaking through technological bottlenecks.

Just as the national railway network was built by the hands of countless railway dispatchers, meteorological observations can also build a ladder to future technology by artificially filling in the gaps.

Professor Huang originally thought that Li Aiguo was a bit boastful, but after thinking carefully about his background, he understood.

"What about numerical calculations?" Professor Huang adjusted the frame of his tortoise-shell glasses. "Over the years, I have been studying long-wave theory, baroclinic instability theory, and quasi-geostrophic theory, and I have also dabbled in the polar front theory of the Norwegian school, but I have not made any progress because of the difficulty of numerical calculations."

Worried that Li Aiguo might not understand, Professor Huang took out a pen and drew something on the paper: "Numerical calculation is actually the process of solving the fluid mechanics and thermodynamics equations that describe the evolution of the weather."

"The equation group contains seven prediction quantities, the velocity components u, v, w along the x, y, and z directions, temperature T, air pressure p, air density ρ, and specific humidity q, and seven prediction equations."

"These calculations are extremely complicated and difficult, and even large computers abroad are not capable of doing them."

At this point, Professor Huang suddenly stopped, looked at Li Aiguo and said, "Sorry, what I said was too professional."

Li Aiguo smiled and said, "Old Huang, I really don't understand numerical calculations, but have you heard of a device called the Red Star Computer?"

Upon hearing this, Professor Huang looked confused at first.

After a moment, he suddenly remembered the railway network that was being vigorously promoted on the railway, and his breathing became rapid.

"A Red Star computer that can run the railway network!"

"You, you are going to use the Red Star computer to calculate these data!"

, (End of this chapter)