Normally the word “chaos” evokes a lack of order: a hectic day, a teenager’s bedroom, tax season. And the physical understanding of chaos is not far off. It’s something that is extremely difficult to predict, like the weather. Chaos allows a small blip (the flutter of a butterfly wing) to grow into a big consequence (a typhoon halfway across the world),…
Tag: weather forecasts
New sunspot cycle could be among strongest on record
A study of oppositely charged magnetic field bands, moving in the sun’s northern and southern hemispheres, suggests the coming sunspot cycle – Cycle 25 – will be a particularly strong one. This result contradicts an earlier expert forecast, suggesting a weak Cycle 25. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/sunspot-cycle-25-among-strongest-on-record-says-ncar…
UK Risks Losing Contract For New Climate Research Centre Because of Brexit
The UK is at risk of losing the contract for the expansion of a flagship European weather research centre based in Reading because of Brexit. From a report: The European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has been based in Berkshire for the last 45 years but its future EU-funded activities are now the subject of an international battle. At…
Another intense summer of fires in Siberia
Following an active 2019 season, fires in Siberia in 2020 have again been abundant and widespread, and have produced abnormally large carbon emissions. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/intense-fires-siberia-summer-2020…
After 14 years, first COSMIC satellite mission comes to an end
The last of six tiny satellites that were rocketed into space 14 years ago—and then went on to prove that the wealth of accurate atmospheric data that can be gleaned from existing GPS signals can improve operational weather forecasts—was officially decommissioned on May 1, outliving its original planned lifespan by a dozen years. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-05-years-cosmic-satellite-mission.html…
What is the gegenschein?
The sun’s counterglow – or gegenschein – is kind of a stargazers’ legend. What is it, and how can you see it? Erwin Matys and Karoline Mrazek of Project Nightflight explain. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/definition-what-is-the-gegenschein…
How Google Researchers Used Neural Networks To Make Weather Forecasts
A research team at Google has developed a deep neural network that can make fast, detailed rainfall forecasts. Google says that its forecasts are more accurate than conventional weather forecasts, at least for time periods under six hours. Ars Technica reports: The researchers say their results are a dramatic improvement over previous techniques in two key ways. One is speed. Google…
2.35 Million Lose Power In California As State Faces Extreme Weather and Wildfires
California’s largest power utility began power shut-offs today for an estimated 2.35 million people — expected to last two days — after weather forecasts predicted extreme fire danger due to exceptionally dry weather and severe winds, according to the Washington Post. “Some gusts this weekend might reach 75 mph (120 kph) or higher as part of a ‘historic’ wind event, the…
European satellite will reveal Earth’s atmosphere in unrivalled detail
The European Space Agency wants to launch a satellite that can enhance our picture of the atmosphere to improve weather forecasts and climate change projections Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2217368-european-satellite-will-reveal-earths-atmosphere-in-unrivalled-detail/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
Today in science: Happy birthday Albert J. Myer
As you check your local weather forecast today, give a nod to Albert J. Myer, born on this date in 1828, who helped to establish the US National Weather Service. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/albert-j-myers-birthday-national-weather-service…