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The Teichmuller space T(S) for a closed orientable surface S encodes the choices for a hyperbolic structure on that surface S. Thurston defined a compactification on such a Teichmuller spaceÌýT(S)Ìýusing lengths of simple closed curves. Since the boundary of T(S) can be viewed as the space of projective classes of measured foliations on S and the Teichmuller spaceÌýT(S)Ìýis an open ball, it is natural to hope that, with the right coordinates onÌý T(S), the Thurston compactification will in fact be the radial compactication. We define a new coordinate system on a Teichmuller space, and corresponding space of measuredÌýfoliations, so that theÌýThurston compactification will indeed be the radial compactification. Results presented are joint work in progress with Daryl Cooper.