The exploration vessel Nautilus is scheduled to start exploring the Quinault Canyon off the Washington Coast Aug. 21. On Aug. 28, you can watch it live and ask the researchers on board real-time questions via a live two-way communications link in the Schermer Building at Grays Harbor College.

Dr. Robert Ballard captains the Nautilus and is well-known in explorer circles as the person who discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985. He created the Ocean Exploration Trust in 2008 as a way to make the ocean accessible to more people by allowing them to watch live footage of his explorations via the organization’s web site, nautiluslive.org.

Researchers will drop a remote controlled submarine to view and map the deep canyon. Viewers will see everything the researchers see at the same time. Along with mapping, the crew will check for harmful algae blooms, determine habitat types, check oxygen levels and investigate ocean acidification.

The event at the college is in room 4134-B of the Schermer Building and runs from 10 to 11 a.m. The public is welcome.