Dust is a critical component in the Martian atmosphere. It influences the atmosphere’s circulation by heating or cooling it and is in turn redistributed around the planet by atmospheric winds. In this dust cycle, dust storms play a particularly important role. Storms are traditionally classified into local, regional and planet-encircling dust storms, with small, local storms occurring throughout the year but…
Tag: storms
Has the ball lightning mystery been solved?
What is ball lightning? Scientists have been trying to figure that out for hundreds of years, and now it seems they may finally be close to solving one of Earth’s most intriguing natural mysteries. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/ball-lightning-lightning-atmosphere-earth-optik…
Amazing June for noctilucent clouds
For the northern part of Earth, the season for seeing noctilucent clouds – clouds that shine at night – typically begins in June. This June has been particularly fine for seeing these electric-blue clouds. Photos and video here. Source: https://earthsky.org/todays-image/photos-noctilucent-clouds-observing-season-2019…
The Long-Awaited Upgrade To the US Weather Forecast Model Is Here
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: For the first time in about 40 years, the guts of the U.S. model got swapped out for something new today. The upgrade brings us a new “Finite-Volume Cubed-Sphere” (or FV3) dynamical core, which simulates the basic atmospheric physics at the heart of this endeavor, a change that has been in the…
It’s hurricane season: 4 things to know
Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Here’s how forecasters make predictions, whether to stay or evacuate, what kinds of risks extend inland, and how your social networks can help or hurt you. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/hurricane-season-4-things-to-know…
It’s time for Manhattanhenge in NYC
Each year around May 29 and 30 – and again in early July – New Yorkers watch for Manhattanhenge, an alignment of the sunset along city streets. Fun! Source: https://earthsky.org/todays-image/manhattanhenge-may-july-sunset-42nd-34th-14th-sts-nyc…
CrossFit Storms Off Facebook and Instagram
“CrossFit, the branded workout regimen, deleted its Facebook and Instagram pages earlier this week and explained the reasoning through an impassioned press release,” reports the Verge. TechSpot has more details:
In a press release, CrossFit revealed the breaking point: the deletion of the Banting7DayMealPlan user group, without warning or explanation. Banting is an alternative high-fat low-carb diet with no set meal times…
Scientists find new periodic water cycle on Mars
A new study shows that Mars has a unique water vapor cycle that occurs only once about every 2 years. The cycle might help explain how Mars lost most of its water. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/scientists-find-new-periodic-water-cycle-on-mars…
Lush underwater forests … in the Arctic
Did you know that there are hidden underwater forests of large brown seaweeds (kelps) in the Arctic? As temperatures warm, the forests are expanding. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/underwater-kelp-seaweed-forests-arctic…
How do hurricanes get their names?
The World Meteorological Organization manages the formal system by which hurricanes receive their names. Find hurricane names for 2019 here. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/how-do-hurricanes-get-their-names…