Get Ready for a Rare Solar Eclipse
The moon is endlessly creative in finding ways to amuse us. Just two weeks ago, the Earth’s only natural satellite was unusually close to us, and looked bigger and brighter than normal. The result was a Supermoon, which dazzled skywatchers across the U.S. Now its orbit has taken the moon farther away than average, just in time it to pass directly … Read More
Major New Project Targets Mystery of Thunderstorms
On the ground and in the skies above the Central states, scientists are seeking answers to weather and climate mysteries.… Read More
Arctic Death Spiral: More Bad News about Sea Ice
The sea ice that blankets the Arctic Ocean each winter peaked in early March this year, as usual, and is now in retreat, en route to its annual minimum extent in September. How low it will go is something scientists worry: ice reflects lots of sunlight back into space, and when the darker ocean underneath is exposed, more sunlight is absorbed to … Read More
Tiny Frigid Bubbles Get to the Core of Climate Change
As Michael Bender prepared to lead the way into the storage area of his lab at Princeton University, he gave a visitor a quizzical look. “You really might want to put these on, he said, holding up a bulky red parka and a pair of thick gloves. “Oh, I’ll be fine, said his guest. “No, really, Bender insisted gently. “It would be a good idea. A … Read More
Globe Records Fifth-Warmest April on Record
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report released Tuesday, last month was the fifth warmest April on record (record-keeping began in 1880, so we’re talking 132 years). NOAA’s analysis of global temperatures showed that the planet’s thermometer stood at 57.87°F for the month, averaged over night and day, land a… Read More
New Push to Limit ‘Super Greenhouse’ Gases
The Micronesian proposal, which has garnered the support of more than 100 Parties to the ozone treaty, seeks to cut emissions of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which are compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. These substances are used as solvents, refrigerants, firefighting agents, and propellants. They were introduced as a substitute… Read More
A Tour of Drought as it Unfolds Across the U.S.
The latest drought information provides reason for concern in the West, while Texas gets more relief compared to 2011.… Read More
Dreaming of Wind Energy in the Shadow of the Himalayas
Amrit points it out as we zoom past on his motorbike. If you look closely, past the Nokia sign, past the other motorbikes, over the jumble of electric wires, and let your eyes drift upward, you might see it. It is a solution to the energy problems of Nepal, turning in the wind. Amrit turns a corner, jokes with a security guard and drives into the … Read More
