Here's a trivia question for you!
True or False. It must be 32°F or colder for it to snow.
I will post the answer on December 31st.... good luck!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WInd Chills = What It Really Feels Like!
You've heard the term many times before. "Today's high will be 10°F with a Wind Chill of -5°F to -15°F." Wind Chill. Some of you may already know what it means. Others may not have the faintest idea (even though the title of this posting should give you an indication). Let's turn to the dictionary.
Wind Chill: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed.
In other words, the wind chill is the temperature the air actually feels to your exposed skin when you factor in the current temperature and wind speed! When wind chills get below -15°F, you will want to limit your time out doors to a maximum of 30 minutes or risk frost bite. As the wind chill gets lower, so does the time you can spend outdoors remaining frostbite free.
So how do we calculate wind chill? It's actually a very simple formula!
Wind Chill: a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed.
In other words, the wind chill is the temperature the air actually feels to your exposed skin when you factor in the current temperature and wind speed! When wind chills get below -15°F, you will want to limit your time out doors to a maximum of 30 minutes or risk frost bite. As the wind chill gets lower, so does the time you can spend outdoors remaining frostbite free.
So how do we calculate wind chill? It's actually a very simple formula!
Wind Chill = 35.74 + 0.6215T – 35.75V0.16 + 0.4275TV0.16
where V is in the wind speed in statute miles per hour, and T is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
This is very handy to meteorologist, but everyone else typically does not want to sit down and try to figure out the wind chill from this formula. Luckily, the NWS has created a handy little chart for quick reference!
It even gives you the frostbite times for the different wind chills - which is really handy! Well everyone, I need to get going, but try to stay warm this winter and let's hope to stay away from the wind chills in the bottom right of that chart!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Winter Weather Safety Reminder!
It's been a long time since I've posted something... sorry about that. I guess I just got wrapped in the Christmas spirit... the trees, the cookies, the music... and the snowflakes. Speaking of snow, it's very important to be ready for harsh winter weather this time of year. The blizzard we are experiencing right now has reminded me of that. So lets go over some winter weather safety tips that I hope you will all take seriously!
First, lets start with the watches, warnings, and advisories you typically hear about this time of year and what they actually mean!
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is a potential for a winter storm to affect the region during the next 1 to 3 days. It does not always mean the area will be hit by a winter storm, but there is still some uncertainity of the exact path or timing of the event. This is a planning stage. Use this time to ensure you have supplies at home, like some extra food, medications, baby items, etc.. If travel is planned, check ahead and see if a different route or delaying your departure may make your trip safer. Be alert for changing weather conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory
Advisories are issued for those winter weather events that are expected to be more of an inconvenience and should not become life-threatening if caution is exercised. These are often issued for 3 to 6 inches of snow, blowing and drifting snow, freezing drizzle, or a combination of these elements. It may be issued for less snow for early season events, when drivers may not be accustomed to slick roads.
Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued when dangerous winter weather is expected, occurring, or imminent. The weather can become life-threatening. Criteria includes snowfalls of 6 inches or more in 12 hours, 8 inches in 24 hours, or lower amounts if accompanied by strong winds or a combination of dangerous winter elements. Avoid unnecessary travel.
Blizzard Warnings
The most dangerous winter event is certainly the blizzard. Blizzard Warnings are issued when snow or blowing snow lowers visibilities to a 1/4 mile or less, wind gusts hit 35 mph or higher, and the storm lasts for 3 hours or more. Travel is dangerous and should be avoided if possible.
Ice Storm Warning
Ice storm Warnings are issued when freezing rain will cause widespread glazing. A coating of ice is expected to reach 1/4 inch thick or more on objects and make travel nearly impossible. For lesser amounts of ice, usually a winter weather advisory would be used, but even a thin glaze of ice can make travel difficult. Avoid travel.
Wind Chill Warning
Issued when wind chills of -35 F or lower are expected with wind speeds of 10 mph or more. A wind chill advisory is issued for values between -20 and -34 F. Dress warmly and cover as much exposed skin as possible.
Now, here are some tips to keep in mind when nasty winter weather comes your way!
When Outdoors:
On the farm:
First, lets start with the watches, warnings, and advisories you typically hear about this time of year and what they actually mean!
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is a potential for a winter storm to affect the region during the next 1 to 3 days. It does not always mean the area will be hit by a winter storm, but there is still some uncertainity of the exact path or timing of the event. This is a planning stage. Use this time to ensure you have supplies at home, like some extra food, medications, baby items, etc.. If travel is planned, check ahead and see if a different route or delaying your departure may make your trip safer. Be alert for changing weather conditions.
Advisories are issued for those winter weather events that are expected to be more of an inconvenience and should not become life-threatening if caution is exercised. These are often issued for 3 to 6 inches of snow, blowing and drifting snow, freezing drizzle, or a combination of these elements. It may be issued for less snow for early season events, when drivers may not be accustomed to slick roads.
Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued when dangerous winter weather is expected, occurring, or imminent. The weather can become life-threatening. Criteria includes snowfalls of 6 inches or more in 12 hours, 8 inches in 24 hours, or lower amounts if accompanied by strong winds or a combination of dangerous winter elements. Avoid unnecessary travel.
The most dangerous winter event is certainly the blizzard. Blizzard Warnings are issued when snow or blowing snow lowers visibilities to a 1/4 mile or less, wind gusts hit 35 mph or higher, and the storm lasts for 3 hours or more. Travel is dangerous and should be avoided if possible.
Ice storm Warnings are issued when freezing rain will cause widespread glazing. A coating of ice is expected to reach 1/4 inch thick or more on objects and make travel nearly impossible. For lesser amounts of ice, usually a winter weather advisory would be used, but even a thin glaze of ice can make travel difficult. Avoid travel.
Issued when wind chills of -35 F or lower are expected with wind speeds of 10 mph or more. A wind chill advisory is issued for values between -20 and -34 F. Dress warmly and cover as much exposed skin as possible.
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Now, here are some tips to keep in mind when nasty winter weather comes your way!
Proper winter weather awareness includes preparation. Here are some things that can help you.
- Check temperatures and wind chill indicies first.
- Dress warmly, with several layers. Dress for the worst just in case.
- Use a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
- Cover exposed skin as much as possible.
- Watch for frostbite on finger tips, ear lobes, the nose, or toes.
- Avoid over-exertion. The cold already puts a strain on the body and heart.
- Extra flashlights and batteries
- A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM portable radio
- Extra food and water (2-3 day supply)
- Extra medicine and baby items
- First Aid supplies
- Emergency Heating source**
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Move animals to a sheltered area.
- Supply extra food for animals.
- Have a fresh water supply (most animal deaths during the winter are from dehydration).
- Have an action plan.
- Monitor weather conditions closely.
- Use NOAA Weather Radio to get hourly wind chill values.
- School days may need to be delayed, cancelled, or shortened.
- Winterize your vehicle. Check the battery.
- Check the forecast and road conditions ahead of time.
- Consider adjusting your route to avoid poor driving conditions.
- Carry a cellular phone for use during emergencies.
- Keep the gas tank near full.
- Coordinate with others your destination and times of travel.
- Yield to snowplows. The snow cloud they produce can lower visibilities to near zero. Stay back - Stay Alive!
- Have a survival kit in your car:
- Extra blankets or sleeping bag
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First Aid kit with pockey knife
- Booster cables
- A rope
- A small shovel
- A bag of sand or cat litter for traction
- Plastic bags (for sanitation)
- Extra gloves, hat, and socks
- Non-perishable food items and bottled water
- Road maps (for alternative routes)
- If you do get stuck:
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Start the car for about 10 minutes every hour for heat.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
- Tie a bright colored (red or orange) cloth to the antenna.
- Turn the dome light when running the engine.
- If you must venture away from the car, use a life-line or rope.
- Be careful of Dense Fog. Delay your travel if needed.
- Do not drive into a dense fog bank. Others may be stopped.
- In October 2002, a pile-up on Interstate 43 in eastern Wisconsin killed 10 people (see image) during dense fog.
- In January 2008, another series of accidents in southern Wisconsin led to some fatalities due to dense fog.
Hopefully by following some of these tips, you can have a very merry Christmas and a great new year! I will be posting more information on wind chills in days to come, so stay tuned!
Friday, October 22, 2010
2010 - 2011 Winter Outlook
Here in the Upper Midwest, we are use to the cold and snowy months of winter. However, some years are colder and snowier than others if a La Nina is in effect. La Nina is associated with cooler than normal water temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, the exact opposite of an El Nino. Both La Nina and El Nino have dramatic impacts on our weather here at home, and around the globe! For example, last year's El Nino resulted in record-breaking rain and snowfall causing severe flooding in parts of the U.S. while other areas of the nation saw record heat and drought. Even though La Nina is the opposite of an El Nino, it too can bring weather extremes to parts of the U.S.
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has recently come out with a news report saying that not only is a La Nina in place, but it will strengthen and persist through the winter months of 2010 and 2011. So what does this mean for the winter around the U.S.?
Here are some regional highlights:
The Pacific Northwest
Northern Plains
Expect plenty of snow! La Nina typically brings colder and wetter conditions to this area of the nation during the winter months. This will also lead to a higher likelihood of flooding during the spring melting season!
Southern Plains, Gulf Coast, & Southeast
These areas are already experiencing some very dry conditions with some areas facing severe drought conditions! Unfortunately, like the southwest U.S., La Nina also brings warmer and drier conditions during the winter months to this area as well, which will only help to prolong the drought conditions here.
Florida
Drier than normal, but has equal chances of above or below normal temperatures. This will also create above normal wildfire conditions here.
Ohio & Tennessee Valleys
Expect more storms this winter as La Nina typically brings wetter, but warmer, conditions to this area during the winter months. The above normal precipitation will also likely lead to a higher likelihood of flooding in the area.
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
This is one area La Nina has very little direct impact! Weather patterns here are more driven by conditions over the North Atlantic and the Arctic. However, if there is enough moisture in place in the region, areas in the Northeast could see above normal snowfall.
Central U.S.
This area is right in between the very dry and warm portions of the southern U.S. and the cold and wet conditions of the northern plains that La Nina typically brings. Thus this area is likely to see equal chances of above or below normal precipitation and temperatures during the winter months.
Hawaii
Headed to Hawaii on a winter vacation? You might want to pack an umbrella. La Nina typically brings the island state wetter conditions from December through February. However, the drought they have been seeing here this past year is expected to continue through the winter, with many areas on track to see their driest year ever! Drought relief is most likely on the smaller islands in the chain.
Alaska
La Nina often brings a colder than normal winter to this frigid state, and this year should be no exception.
Here at home in Wisconsin, I'm expecting to see a slightly cooler than normal winter with more snowfall, especially along the shores of Lake Superior in the north and the southeastern portions of the state. Granted, this outlook does not project where and when snowstorms will hit or total seasonal snowfall accumulations, but it gives us a better view at to what to expect from mother nature during the coldest portion of our year.
Until next time,
Keep your eye on the sky!
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has recently come out with a news report saying that not only is a La Nina in place, but it will strengthen and persist through the winter months of 2010 and 2011. So what does this mean for the winter around the U.S.?
Here are some regional highlights:
The Pacific Northwest
Expect to see a colder and wetter than normal winter. La Nina typically brings cooler than normal and snowier conditions to this region during the winter months.
The Southwest
Don't be expecting to see much snow here. All of the southern states typically see a warmer and drier winter during a La Nina, which also increases the risks of wildfires in these regions.
Northern Plains
Expect plenty of snow! La Nina typically brings colder and wetter conditions to this area of the nation during the winter months. This will also lead to a higher likelihood of flooding during the spring melting season!
Southern Plains, Gulf Coast, & Southeast
These areas are already experiencing some very dry conditions with some areas facing severe drought conditions! Unfortunately, like the southwest U.S., La Nina also brings warmer and drier conditions during the winter months to this area as well, which will only help to prolong the drought conditions here.
Florida
Drier than normal, but has equal chances of above or below normal temperatures. This will also create above normal wildfire conditions here.
Ohio & Tennessee Valleys
Expect more storms this winter as La Nina typically brings wetter, but warmer, conditions to this area during the winter months. The above normal precipitation will also likely lead to a higher likelihood of flooding in the area.
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
This is one area La Nina has very little direct impact! Weather patterns here are more driven by conditions over the North Atlantic and the Arctic. However, if there is enough moisture in place in the region, areas in the Northeast could see above normal snowfall.
Central U.S.
This area is right in between the very dry and warm portions of the southern U.S. and the cold and wet conditions of the northern plains that La Nina typically brings. Thus this area is likely to see equal chances of above or below normal precipitation and temperatures during the winter months.
Hawaii
Headed to Hawaii on a winter vacation? You might want to pack an umbrella. La Nina typically brings the island state wetter conditions from December through February. However, the drought they have been seeing here this past year is expected to continue through the winter, with many areas on track to see their driest year ever! Drought relief is most likely on the smaller islands in the chain.
Alaska
La Nina often brings a colder than normal winter to this frigid state, and this year should be no exception.
Here at home in Wisconsin, I'm expecting to see a slightly cooler than normal winter with more snowfall, especially along the shores of Lake Superior in the north and the southeastern portions of the state. Granted, this outlook does not project where and when snowstorms will hit or total seasonal snowfall accumulations, but it gives us a better view at to what to expect from mother nature during the coldest portion of our year.
Until next time,
Keep your eye on the sky!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Trick or Treating in Snowsuits?
It's been a while since I last posted - I guess I got wrapped up in the festivities and amazing colors of the autumn season! Speaking of autumn, Halloween is just around the corner. I though it might be kind of fun to have a bit of a flash back to 1991, when a good share of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin were hit with what became known as the Halloween Blizzard of 1991.
The Halloween Blizzard affected a good share of the Upper Midwest between October 31st and November 3rd, 1991. During the days prior to Halloween, a large storm system over the Atlantic Ocean (this storm was the "Perfect Storm" that hit New England and was the topic of a movie not too long ago) blocked up the flow of weather patterns moving across the United States. As a result of this "blockade", moisture from the Gulf of Mexico was able to surge northward and interact with an storm system that was parked over Minnesota, Iowa, and Western Wisconsin. Cold Arctic air was also pouring into the same region from the north behind the system. The result was a heavy snow pack that fell in large quantities. Many locations in the eastern half of Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin saw record early-season snowfall accumulations (the image to the right shows the snowfall totals), while southern parts of Minnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin experienced a nasty ice storm. The cold air that settled into the area immediately following the storm also produced many record low temperatures for the area. In total, the storm system caused 100 injuries and even 22 deaths in the Upper Midwest.
I vividly remember this storm. I was almost 6 years old and had begged my mother to take me out trick-or-treating around our neighborhood (What can I say, I was a naive little kid who liked candy!). Reluctantly, she took me out in the 4-wheel drive pick up truck. We went through town just fine, even though the main street was ice covered and I did slip a few times going up the main walk to a few houses. When we got to the east end of town (at the east end of town, there's a hill that takes you down into a valley), there was a semi-truck that had skidded off the road, and was stuck in the ditch. Needless to say, that was the final straw. Mom had enough trying to drive around on the ice, and didn't want to take any more chances. So we headed back home - and luckily got there safely. We woke up that next day to a winter wonderland with a couple of inches of snow on the ground and ice in the trees.
Had I known then what I know now, I wouldn't have begged my mother to go out that frightful night (all though I did score tons of candy!). Moral of the story - don't drive during a blizzard/ice storm unless it is absolutely necessary!
Well, that was a nice trip down memory lane. I hope it jogged your memory as well. Where were you during the Halloween Blizzard of 1991? How did it effect your life? Please post your comments and share with everyone! ^_^
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| Snowfall totals - Halloween Blizzard of 1991 |
I vividly remember this storm. I was almost 6 years old and had begged my mother to take me out trick-or-treating around our neighborhood (What can I say, I was a naive little kid who liked candy!). Reluctantly, she took me out in the 4-wheel drive pick up truck. We went through town just fine, even though the main street was ice covered and I did slip a few times going up the main walk to a few houses. When we got to the east end of town (at the east end of town, there's a hill that takes you down into a valley), there was a semi-truck that had skidded off the road, and was stuck in the ditch. Needless to say, that was the final straw. Mom had enough trying to drive around on the ice, and didn't want to take any more chances. So we headed back home - and luckily got there safely. We woke up that next day to a winter wonderland with a couple of inches of snow on the ground and ice in the trees.
Had I known then what I know now, I wouldn't have begged my mother to go out that frightful night (all though I did score tons of candy!). Moral of the story - don't drive during a blizzard/ice storm unless it is absolutely necessary!
Well, that was a nice trip down memory lane. I hope it jogged your memory as well. Where were you during the Halloween Blizzard of 1991? How did it effect your life? Please post your comments and share with everyone! ^_^
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Trivia Answer
The highest air temperature on Earth was recorded on September 13, 1922 in Al Aziziyah, Libya. My question for you was: how hot is this record air temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit)? If you guess anything below 130 degree's Fahrenheit, you were much too low! The hottest air temperature ever recorded was 136F (58C)! WOW that's hot!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
September Weather Trivia
Monday, September 6, 2010
First Frost?
Recently, I have had to include a mention of a frost or freeze in the forecasts for some of my clients. While these areas were in the far northern reaches of Wisconsin and Minnesota, it still brings into light that the first fall frost is just around the corner. The predictability of frost is very important in regards to the harvesting of crops and the lives of your outdoor flowers and plants. So, when do we typically see our first frost of the season?
According to the NCDC (National Climatic Data Center), the first frost for most of Minnesota and Wisconsin occur during the month of September, while areas like the eastern side of Wisconsin (south of Green Bay), southern Wisconsin, the Mississippi River Valley of the Coulee Region, and most of Iowa see their first frost in the first two weeks of October. Granted that these are just the climatic averages, with the given year we're in, when could we see our first frost? Let's find out!
Below is a listing of various cities and towns in Wisconsin along with three dates behind each. The first column of dates represents a 10% probability of a 32 degree temperature (and thus frost) for that location before or on that date. The second column of dates represents a 50% probability of a frost before or on that date, and the third column of dates represents a 90% probability of a frost before or on that date.
So for a place like Wausau, WI, there is a 10% chance of frost before Sept. 21st, a 50% chance before Oct. 2nd, and a 90% chance before Oct. 13th for the fall of 2010.
I hope this will give you some idea when to expect the first frost of the season in your area. If there's a place I left out that you would like information on, just post a comment and I will do my best to find the data!
Happy Autumn!
According to the NCDC (National Climatic Data Center), the first frost for most of Minnesota and Wisconsin occur during the month of September, while areas like the eastern side of Wisconsin (south of Green Bay), southern Wisconsin, the Mississippi River Valley of the Coulee Region, and most of Iowa see their first frost in the first two weeks of October. Granted that these are just the climatic averages, with the given year we're in, when could we see our first frost? Let's find out!
Below is a listing of various cities and towns in Wisconsin along with three dates behind each. The first column of dates represents a 10% probability of a 32 degree temperature (and thus frost) for that location before or on that date. The second column of dates represents a 50% probability of a frost before or on that date, and the third column of dates represents a 90% probability of a frost before or on that date.
So for a place like Wausau, WI, there is a 10% chance of frost before Sept. 21st, a 50% chance before Oct. 2nd, and a 90% chance before Oct. 13th for the fall of 2010.
I hope this will give you some idea when to expect the first frost of the season in your area. If there's a place I left out that you would like information on, just post a comment and I will do my best to find the data!
Happy Autumn!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Early Autumn?
Many people around the area have noticed signs of the seasonal change already. Some have seen geese heading south... others have noticed the trees loosing their leaves or beginning to change color. I too have noticed hickory nuts have started to fall and barn swallows are mostly gone. Is this a sign of autumn's early arrival?
Technically autumn arrives on September 22nd (the autumnal equinox) this year as the sun's direct rays on earth crosses the equator back to the southern hemisphere. Traditionally you typically notice the seasonal changes more often in early to mid September, but with a La Nina currently in play in the eastern Pacific, seasonal changes could occur sooner. Does this mean we'll have an early frost? It is entirely possible. We will have to wait and see. If you want to follow how the autumn tree color change is coming across Wisconsin, please check out this website: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fallcolor_report.aspx.
Technically autumn arrives on September 22nd (the autumnal equinox) this year as the sun's direct rays on earth crosses the equator back to the southern hemisphere. Traditionally you typically notice the seasonal changes more often in early to mid September, but with a La Nina currently in play in the eastern Pacific, seasonal changes could occur sooner. Does this mean we'll have an early frost? It is entirely possible. We will have to wait and see. If you want to follow how the autumn tree color change is coming across Wisconsin, please check out this website: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fallcolor_report.aspx.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Cold, Snowy Winter Ahead?
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee, WI has recently done a study comparing La Nina event years to the normal climatic observations for both Madison and Milwaukee in southern Wisconsin. The study concluded that both cities say below normal temperatures between January and March AND more snowy/wetter conditions during the same time frame. This finding is very similar for the rest of Wisconsin as well. Thus, for this winter, you could expect more snow to fall across Wisconsin with slightly cooler conditions, especially from January to March when La Nina events tend to impact the Midwest the most.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Wet & Wild Summer
The talk around town has definitely been all the rain we've been getting this summer! The wet conditions have prevented farmers from being in the fields, caused area creeks and rivers to run high or out of their banks, and have led to optimum breeding conditions for mosquitoes. This may have you wondering, how exactly does this summer compare to normal as far as precipitation? Well, below is listed some Wisconsin cities and the precipitation they've seen so far this year, along with the normal climatological values for precipitation in the same time frame.
City 2010 Normal Departure
So now with saturated soils all across the state, any rain that does fall over the area will quickly run off. This is likely to cause some flooding issues along creeks and river beds. It could also trigger some mudslides, especially across the hills and bluffs of Western Wisconsin. That means that during this time of very wet weather, keep an eye on your surroundings, especially if you live near a body of water or along a hill side. Take precautions now to prepare for such events!
City 2010 Normal Departure
- La Crosse 17.20" 9.37" 7.83"
- Milwaukee 18.16" 8.18" 9.98"
- Madison 17.38" 9.10" 8.28"
- Green Bay 17.11" 7.83" 9.28"
- Wausau 16.66" 9.42" 7.24"
So now with saturated soils all across the state, any rain that does fall over the area will quickly run off. This is likely to cause some flooding issues along creeks and river beds. It could also trigger some mudslides, especially across the hills and bluffs of Western Wisconsin. That means that during this time of very wet weather, keep an eye on your surroundings, especially if you live near a body of water or along a hill side. Take precautions now to prepare for such events!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Aurora Borealis - The Northern Lights
Unfortunately the northern lights were a no show last night. There just was not enough energy to produce them this far south in the states (at least southwestern Wisconsin that is). However, like I promised, I will explain what causes these atmospheric light shows!
It all starts 93 millions of miles away on that glowing fireball we call the sun! Our sun is constantly emitting charged particles, byproducts of its thermonuclear reactions. Together, these particles form what is known as a solar wind which travels away from the sun at speeds up to a million miles per hour! At its top-end speed, a solar wind could reach Earth in as little as two or three days! Normally, the Earth's magnetosphere (or it's magnetic field) deflects the normal solar wind that comes our way every day. However, when there is a solar flare or a coronal mass ejection from the sun, much similar to Sunday's event, the solar wind is much, much greater! This increase in energy disturbs the normal balance between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere. As a result, electrons and protons within Earth's magnetic field are accelerated and travel down magnetic field lines to Earth's poles. Here, these charged particles collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere (typically O, N, and N2) and actually pass their charge onto the atoms and molecules, forming excited states of these gases. As these gases release the energy and return to their normal state, they give up the energy in the form of light - producing the aurora!
You may have noticed that auroras have various colors as well. The specific colors we see in an aurora all depend on which atmospheric gas is stuck by the energetic particles. Oxygen is primarily responsible for two different colors, a green-yellow light and also a more rare deep red light. Nitrogen, on the other hand, can produce either a blue light or a purple-reddish light, typically seen at the border or edges of an aurora.
I hope this answers some questions... and it may have you coming up with more! Just ask, and I will try to answer any questions about auroras that you field my way!
It all starts 93 millions of miles away on that glowing fireball we call the sun! Our sun is constantly emitting charged particles, byproducts of its thermonuclear reactions. Together, these particles form what is known as a solar wind which travels away from the sun at speeds up to a million miles per hour! At its top-end speed, a solar wind could reach Earth in as little as two or three days! Normally, the Earth's magnetosphere (or it's magnetic field) deflects the normal solar wind that comes our way every day. However, when there is a solar flare or a coronal mass ejection from the sun, much similar to Sunday's event, the solar wind is much, much greater! This increase in energy disturbs the normal balance between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere. As a result, electrons and protons within Earth's magnetic field are accelerated and travel down magnetic field lines to Earth's poles. Here, these charged particles collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere (typically O, N, and N2) and actually pass their charge onto the atoms and molecules, forming excited states of these gases. As these gases release the energy and return to their normal state, they give up the energy in the form of light - producing the aurora!
You may have noticed that auroras have various colors as well. The specific colors we see in an aurora all depend on which atmospheric gas is stuck by the energetic particles. Oxygen is primarily responsible for two different colors, a green-yellow light and also a more rare deep red light. Nitrogen, on the other hand, can produce either a blue light or a purple-reddish light, typically seen at the border or edges of an aurora.
I hope this answers some questions... and it may have you coming up with more! Just ask, and I will try to answer any questions about auroras that you field my way!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Welcome!
Hello Everyone! After some pondering, I thought making a blog would be a great way to inform you about the workings of the atmosphere and weather - since I get so many questions about it anyways. I will try to keep this as interesting as possible and answer any questions that may be posted or asked in person! In addition to answering your questions, I will also share some weather news that I find interesting and worth sharing with you all! So I hope I can enlighten you all about the weather or anything else that goes on up above our heads...
Speaking about above our heads! Has anyone seen the northern lights that are suppose to be going on this week? Last Sunday, the sun started to wake up from its unusually long "slumber" and shot off a solar flare in Earth's direction. This has sent two coronal mass ejections (CME ) towards us. The first of these hit the Earth's magnetic field on Tuesday, Aug. 3rd and produced auroras as far south as Wisconsin and Iowa... unfortunately at that time we were under cloud cover. However, the second CME is to hit us tonight, and with mostly clear to clear skies, hopefully we will get a nice light show tonight!
The picture below was taken over Quebec on August 3rd (courtesy of http://www.spaceweather.com). The auroras there lit up the entire sky. In Norway, it's been said that the auroras were so bright that they could be seen through the clouds!
Well... I hope you get a chance to get out and see the aurora(s) tonight IF they happen. I sure hope so! I haven't seen one since the Spring of 2004! I'll discuss how auroras actually "form" tomorrow. Have a nice night and happy aurora hunting!
Speaking about above our heads! Has anyone seen the northern lights that are suppose to be going on this week? Last Sunday, the sun started to wake up from its unusually long "slumber" and shot off a solar flare in Earth's direction. This has sent two coronal mass ejections (CME ) towards us. The first of these hit the Earth's magnetic field on Tuesday, Aug. 3rd and produced auroras as far south as Wisconsin and Iowa... unfortunately at that time we were under cloud cover. However, the second CME is to hit us tonight, and with mostly clear to clear skies, hopefully we will get a nice light show tonight!
The picture below was taken over Quebec on August 3rd (courtesy of http://www.spaceweather.com). The auroras there lit up the entire sky. In Norway, it's been said that the auroras were so bright that they could be seen through the clouds!
Well... I hope you get a chance to get out and see the aurora(s) tonight IF they happen. I sure hope so! I haven't seen one since the Spring of 2004! I'll discuss how auroras actually "form" tomorrow. Have a nice night and happy aurora hunting!
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