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  • September’s ‘Corn Moon’ rises this week

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    Our next full moon, and the final one of the astronomical summer, is set to rise above the horizon this week on Sunday, Sept. 7.

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon will rise this weekend

    • It is called the ‘Corn Moon’ this year

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Corn Moon as opposed to the Harvest Moon which traditionally is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). It just so happens that the next full moon will occur on Oct, 6 so it gets the name Harvest Moon this year.

    The moon will officially be full at 2:09 p.m. EDT Sunday, so it won’t be seen until hours later when it rises above the horizon after sunset.

    This year’s Corn Moon will actually coincide with a lunar eclipse for much of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Australia), but no eclipse will be visible across the U.S. Other countries can expect a long-lasting “blood moon” similar to what America saw back in March earlier this year.

     

    Potential cloud coverage Sunday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is a reference to the corn harvest, which typically happens this time of the year across North America.

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Sunday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on Oct. 6, 2025. As mentioned earlier, the Harvest Moon is whatever full moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Usually that is in September, but every four or five years, it happens in October.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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  • September’s ‘Corn Moon’ rises this week

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, and the final one of the astronomical summer, is set to rise above the horizon this week on Sunday, September 7th.

    What You Need To Know

    • September’s full moon will rise this weekend

    • It is called the ‘Corn Moon’ this year

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Corn Moon as opposed to the Harvest Moon which traditionally is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (September 22nd). It just so happens that the next full moon will occur on October 6th so it gets the name Harvest Moon this year.

    The moon will officially be full at 2:09 pm EDT Sunday, so it won’t be seen until hours later when it rises above the horizon after sunset.

    This year’s Corn Moon will actually coincide with a lunar eclipse for much of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, and Australia), but no eclipse will be visible across the U.S. Other countries can expect a long-lasting “blood moon” similar to what America saw back in March earlier this year.

     

    Potential cloud coverage Sunday evening. (weathermodels.com)

    The name of the moon is a reference to the corn harvest, which typically happens this time of the year across North America.

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Sunday.  To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on October 6, 2025. As mentioned earlier, the Harvest Moon is whatever full moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Usually that is in September, but every four or five years, it happens in October.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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  • Welcome to meteorological fall

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    The astronomical start to the season begins on Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm EDT. Meteorologists and climatologists look at the seasons a little differently than most.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most people use the traditional astronomical seasons

    • Meteorological seasons are more convenient for weather records

    • Meteorological fall is from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30


    The Earth’s tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring and fall equinoxes happen when the sun’s direct rays pass over the Equator. They’re farthest north on the summer solstice as we lean toward the sun. On the winter solstice, they reach their southernmost point while we lean away from the sun.

    (NOAA Office of Education/Kaleigh Ballantine)

    Our planet’s movement is predictable, but it isn’t perfect. Astronomical seasons start around the same time, but the exact date varies. The autumnal equinox occurs anywhere between Sept. 21-23. The winter solstice falls between Dec. 20-22. As a result, each season can be anywhere from 89 to 93 days long.

    That would make record-keeping for weather and climate extremely tricky. Making comparisons between years isn’t quite apples-to-apples if the start and length of a season change each year.

    That’s why we have climatological seasons. They always start on the first day of a particular month and only vary between 90 and 92 days long or 3 months at a time. This makes data and record keeping streamlined for meteorologists and climatologists.

    It also turns out that the warmest and coldest 91-day periods of the year line up better with climatological summer and winter.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Alan Auglis, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Welcome to meteorological fall

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    The astronomical start to the season begins on Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm EDT. Meteorologists and climatologists look at the seasons a little differently than most.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most people use the traditional astronomical seasons

    • Meteorological seasons are more convenient for weather records

    • Meteorological fall is from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30


    The Earth’s tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring and fall equinoxes happen when the sun’s direct rays pass over the Equator. They’re farthest north on the summer solstice as we lean toward the sun. On the winter solstice, they reach their southernmost point while we lean away from the sun.

    (NOAA Office of Education/Kaleigh Ballantine)

    Our planet’s movement is predictable, but it isn’t perfect. Astronomical seasons start around the same time, but the exact date varies. The autumnal equinox occurs anywhere between Sept. 21-23. The winter solstice falls between Dec. 20-22. As a result, each season can be anywhere from 89 to 93 days long.

    That would make record-keeping for weather and climate extremely tricky. Making comparisons between years isn’t quite apples-to-apples if the start and length of a season change each year.

    That’s why we have climatological seasons. They always start on the first day of a particular month and only vary between 90 and 92 days long or 3 months at a time. This makes data and record keeping streamlined for meteorologists and climatologists.

    It also turns out that the warmest and coldest 91-day periods of the year line up better with climatological summer and winter.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Alan Auglis, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Welcome to meteorological fall

    [ad_1]

    The astronomical start to the season begins on Sept. 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm EDT. Meteorologists and climatologists look at the seasons a little differently than most.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most people use the traditional astronomical seasons

    • Meteorological seasons are more convenient for weather records

    • Meteorological fall is from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30


    The Earth’s tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring and fall equinoxes happen when the sun’s direct rays pass over the Equator. They’re farthest north on the summer solstice as we lean toward the sun. On the winter solstice, they reach their southernmost point while we lean away from the sun.

    (NOAA Office of Education/Kaleigh Ballantine)

    Our planet’s movement is predictable, but it isn’t perfect. Astronomical seasons start around the same time, but the exact date varies. The autumnal equinox occurs anywhere between Sept. 21-23. The winter solstice falls between Dec. 20-22. As a result, each season can be anywhere from 89 to 93 days long.

    That would make record-keeping for weather and climate extremely tricky. Making comparisons between years isn’t quite apples-to-apples if the start and length of a season change each year.

    That’s why we have climatological seasons. They always start on the first day of a particular month and only vary between 90 and 92 days long or 3 months at a time. This makes data and record keeping streamlined for meteorologists and climatologists.

    It also turns out that the warmest and coldest 91-day periods of the year line up better with climatological summer and winter.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Alan Auglis, Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Names of victims in fatal tour bus crash on Thruway released

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    The investigation continues into Friday’s deadly tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway outside Pembroke in Genesee County. There were 54 people on board at the time of the crash.

    What You Need To Know

    • The investigation continues into Friday’s deadly tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway outside Pembroke in Genesee County

    • There were 54 people on board at the time of the crash

    • Five people were killed, and the victims were identified by authorities as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55; and Jian Mingli, 56, both from Jersey City, New Jersey

    • Dozens more were injured

    Five people were killed, and the victims were identified by authorities as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55; and Jian Mingli, 56, both from Jersey City, New Jersey. Dozens more were injured.

    According to New York State Police, the bus involved in the crash was towed to the state police headquarters in Batavia Friday night.

    The cause of the collision was still under investigation as of Saturday afternoon. However, the driver –– Bin Shao, 55 of Flushing, New York –– had no signs of impairment, and the tour bus had no mechanical failure. Police said the bus drove into a median before overcorrecting, rolling over and crashing into a ditch. 

    State Police Maj. Andre Ray said Friday evening that the driver had been distracted, but didn’t elaborate.

    Police said the bus was heading to New York City after a trip to the American side of Niagara Falls.

    “It’s a full-size tour bus. Heavy amount of damage. It did roll. Most people, I’m assuming, on the bus did not have a seatbelt on. That is the reason we had so many ejected people on this bus. Like I said, this bus is extremely damaged,” said Trooper James O’Callaghan, a New York State Police Troop A public information officer. “This bus was going full speed. It did not hit any other vehicle. It basically lost control from the median on.”

    A total of 21 patients were transported to ECMC hospital after the crash. Seven were discharged Friday, six remained hospitalized in stable condition, five were in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit in stable condition and another three were in the Observation Unit in stable condition. Two patients were scheduled for discharge Saturday.,

    In a statement, Kaleida Health said that they received a total of 20 patients to Buffalo General Medical Center (four adults: all were in good condition with one since discharged), Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (11 adults, two children: 10 in good condition and three in fair condition) and Oishei Children’s Hospital (three children total: two in good condition and one in serious condition).

    The University of Rochester Medical Center said that six patients were at their facility. Three were transported via air ambulance and another three by ground ambulance. Two were being treated for critical injuries and four were medically stable, including one pediatric patient. 

    An investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board, in coordination with New York State Police and the state Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Compliance Bureau, was ongoing.

    Those who may have witnessed the crash or have dash cam footage were asked to contact New York State Police at SP Batavia at (585) 344-6200.

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    Adriana Loh

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  • Retired Hurricane Hunter reminisces

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    Although the 2025 hurricane season seems like it’s been slow to start with only five named storms, there’s still a long way to go, and with NOAA’s above-average prediction, that streak won’t likely last.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Hunters fly into a tropical system to gain information about the storm

    • Peter Guittari flew for the Hurricane Hunters’ squadron for twelve years

    • Most intense storm he flew into was Super Typhoon Forrest 1983

    What methods do we use to get information about a storm?

    If a storm is in the middle of the Atlantic, we use radar observations to get data, but if a storm is close enough to an area of land, we send scientists into the storm from above. This special group of professionals is called Hurricane Hunters.

    Hurricane Hunters

    Two branches of Hurricane Hunters now exist, one operated by NOAA and the other by the United States Air Force. Beginning in the 1960s, Weather Bureau aircraft began flying into storms to gain data about the intensity and conditions of the atmosphere. It wasn’t until 1976 that the aircraft had a Doppler radar.

    Peter Guittari, a retired Hurricane Hunter talks about his time in the squad and the most impressive storm he flew into. from the Air Force, remembers those days in the 1970s. From 1979 through 1991, he flew missions out of Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, MS. He flew WC-130 military planes, Bs, Es and Hs.

    “We got to see some very very nice places, including the Caribbean and the Pacific,” he said, recalling his time fondly.

    Retired Hurricane Hunter, Peter Guittari, reminisces about his time flying into storms.

    As for how he ended up a Hurricane Hunter. “I was in the 130s, and the unit needed some extra people. I was a flight engineer, and they needed extra people. A buddy of mine was in that squadron, and he called me up and asked if any of you guys would like to come here and do this? And we said yes, so that was 1979, and I was flying 130s for about four years.”

    Collecting data

    Once a storm was identified that needed data, a crew was assembled and briefed. Guittari says that when they took flight, they would fly as high as they could to save fuel and then drop down to 1500 feet so the weather and dropsonde operators could collect their data.

    While he flew hundreds of missions over his twelve years with the Hurricane Hunters, his most memorable storm occurred in the Pacific, specifically, Super Typhoon Forrest in Sept. 1983. “We estimated the winds to be in excess of 200 knots.”

    He loved his job, and the only reason he left was that they closed the squadron down. To this day, he has an appreciation for meteorology, and although he now lives in northern Arkansas, he still follows storms when they make news.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Tropical activity increases in the month of August

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    Tropical activity is on the rise as we approach the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which arrives on Sept. 10. After the first few months of the season, the tropics will come alive in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical cyclone development becomes more common this month

    • The season’s first hurricane usually forms in early to mid-August

    • The peak of hurricane season arrives in early September



    Based on a 30-year climate period from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (category 3+). The first named storm normally forms in mid to late June, the first hurricane forms in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September.

    In August, you typically see more tropical waves developing into named storms.

    In the Atlantic basin, tropical storms are more likely to form just to the east of the Caribbean islands throughout August. Development is also common in the Gulf and along the east coast during this time of the season. 

    The first hurricanes of the season form during this time of hurricane season and will more than likely develop near the Caribbean islands and along the eastern coast.

    So if you live in a hurricane-prone region, before August and September, be sure to have your hurricane kit ready to go before a storm heads for your area. 

    More Storm Season Resources

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Sturgeon Moon arrives this weekend with planetary conjunction soon after

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    Our next full moon, popularly called the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in the night sky the evening of Friday, August 8th, across the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon
    • It is also called the Corn Moon
    • Venus, Neptune and the moon will be close to each other in the sky days after the full moon


    The full moon this month, our eighth of the year, will rise after sunset Friday evening across the east coast of the U.S. and fully peak overnight. 

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it occurs around the time the sturgeon fish were most easily caught by Native Americans around the Great Lakes. It is also called the Corn Moon and Harvest Moon by other Native American tribes. 

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Friday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires could make the rising full moon appear more orange.

    Potential cloud coverage across the U.S. Friday night. (weathermodels.com)

    A celestial gathering

    The full moon won’t be the only celestial event going on early in August. On August 12th, a few days after the Sturgeon Moon, the planets Venus and Neptune will share the sky in proximity with the moon.

    The beautiful twilight sky (Nov 28, 2019) after sunset with the planets conjuction of Moon (with earth shine), Venus and Jupiter. (Getty)

    This event, called a planetary conjunction, will be a good one for night sky watchers. Venus will be easily seen with the naked eye, but you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Neptune as well. 

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on September 7th, 2025. This is a special full moon as it will appear closest to the autumnal equinox.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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  • Sturgeon Moon arrives this weekend with planetary conjunction soon after

    [ad_1]

    Our next full moon, popularly called the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in the night sky the evening of Friday, August 8th, across the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon Moon
    • It is also called the Corn Moon
    • Venus, Neptune and the moon will be close to each other in the sky days after the full moon


    The full moon this month, our eighth of the year, will rise after sunset Friday evening across the east coast of the U.S. and fully peak overnight. 

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it occurs around the time the sturgeon fish were most easily caught by Native Americans around the Great Lakes. It is also called the Corn Moon and Harvest Moon by other Native American tribes. 

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Friday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires could make the rising full moon appear more orange.

    Potential cloud coverage across the U.S. Friday night. (weathermodels.com)

    A celestial gathering

    The full moon won’t be the only celestial event going on early in August. On August 12th, a few days after the Sturgeon Moon, the planets Venus and Neptune will share the sky in proximity with the moon.

    The beautiful twilight sky (Nov 28, 2019) after sunset with the planets conjuction of Moon (with earth shine), Venus and Jupiter. (Getty)

    This event, called a planetary conjunction, will be a good one for night sky watchers. Venus will be easily seen with the naked eye, but you will need a telescope or binoculars to see Neptune as well. 

    The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon, which occurs on September 7th, 2025. This is a special full moon as it will appear closest to the autumnal equinox.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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  • How lightning can help your garden grow

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    The classic summer thunderstorm is doing more for your lawn and garden than you might realize. That extra bit of green and growth after a storm isn’t just because it rained.

    There is a science behind why that is the case, and I’m here to explain it. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning plays a big role in the nitrogen cycle

    • Nitrates are considered a “super fertilizer” that helps plants green up faster

    • Most plants receive usable nitrogen through bacteria in soil


    Understanding what the nitrogen cycle does is important to know before diving into lightning’s role in the cycle. Simply put, plants need nutrients to grow. 

    About 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is made up of “free” nitrogen (N2) gas. All living things need nitrogen to build amino acids, essential proteins, as well as DNA and RNA. 

    Nitrogen in its “free” form cannot be used by living things. That is where the nitrogen cycle comes in. For nitrogen to be used, it must be changed into different states like nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), and ammonium (NH3). 

    Nitrogen is mostly brought into the living world by way of bacteria in the soil, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into the nitrates. Once in any of those usable states, plants can take up these molecules and grow. 

    Lightning’s role in the nitrogen cycle

    While most of the free nitrogen is converted through bacteria, lightning also plays a meaningful role. 

    During a storm, the explosive heat of lightning tears the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air apart. The free molecules then recombine, forming nitrogen oxides, which fall down to earth in the rain. 

    Given that most rain doesn’t carry many nutrients, nitrogen oxide-filled raindrops can bring abundant free fertilizer to your yard and garden during a storm. A storm or two may not make a big difference, but multiple rounds of storms over the course of a week or two can bring lush green and vivid colors to your garden.

    So when you hear cracks of thunder outside, just know that your plants are thankful!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • How lightning can help your garden grow

    [ad_1]

    The classic summer thunderstorm is doing more for your lawn and garden than you might realize. That extra bit of green and growth after a storm isn’t just because it rained.

    There is a science behind why that is the case, and I’m here to explain it. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning plays a big role in the nitrogen cycle

    • Nitrates are considered a “super fertilizer” that helps plants green up faster

    • Most plants receive usable nitrogen through bacteria in soil


    Understanding what the nitrogen cycle does is important to know before diving into lightning’s role in the cycle. Simply put, plants need nutrients to grow. 

    About 78% of Earth’s atmosphere is made up of “free” nitrogen (N2) gas. All living things need nitrogen to build amino acids, essential proteins, as well as DNA and RNA. 

    Nitrogen in its “free” form cannot be used by living things. That is where the nitrogen cycle comes in. For nitrogen to be used, it must be changed into different states like nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), and ammonium (NH3). 

    Nitrogen is mostly brought into the living world by way of bacteria in the soil, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into the nitrates. Once in any of those usable states, plants can take up these molecules and grow. 

    Lightning’s role in the nitrogen cycle

    While most of the free nitrogen is converted through bacteria, lightning also plays a meaningful role. 

    During a storm, the explosive heat of lightning tears the nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air apart. The free molecules then recombine, forming nitrogen oxides, which fall down to earth in the rain. 

    Given that most rain doesn’t carry many nutrients, nitrogen oxide-filled raindrops can bring abundant free fertilizer to your yard and garden during a storm. A storm or two may not make a big difference, but multiple rounds of storms over the course of a week or two can bring lush green and vivid colors to your garden.

    So when you hear cracks of thunder outside, just know that your plants are thankful!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • How to stay safe during extreme heat

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    Now that summer is here, dangerous heat and humidity will be more common over the next couple months.

    If you’re experiencing extreme heat, it’s important to recognize the signs of heat illnesses and know how to stay safe.

    What You Need To Know

    • High humidity makes extreme heat more dangerous for your body

    • You should limit outdoor activity if you’re under a Heat Advisory or Extreme Heat Warning

    • Everyone is susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the summer


    There are many symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it’s important to recognize the signs before going outside. 

    If you or someone you know is ever experiencing any of these symptoms, focus on immediate cooling and hydration.

    There are other factors that can affect your body in the heat, including if the heat is dry or humid. When humidity is high, your sweat can’t evaporate quickly, preventing your body from cooling down.

    Some other factors that can affect you:

    • Age
    • Obesity
    • Dehydration
    • Heart disease
    • Sunburn
    • Medications or illness

    The highest risk groups are the elderly, young children, pets and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

    Heat safety tips

    Once you know your risks, know what actions to take to stay safe and prevent heat illness.

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolytes
    • Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings and limit outdoor activity
    • If you have to spend time outside, try to schedule outdoor events early or later in the day when it’s cooler and seek shade
    • Wear and reapply sunscreen, and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
    • Check on others, including friends, family and neighbors, especially the most vulnerable
    • Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • The Perseid meteor shower begins, lasts through late August

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    The Perseid meteor shower is always a highly-anticipated astronomical event. However, this year, the viewing may be more difficult than in years past.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Perseid meteor shower has up to 75 meteors per hour

    • The best time for viewing will fall in the pre-dawn hours

    • A full moon may get in the way of peak viewing

    The Perseid meteor shower starts Thursday, July 17 and lasts through Aug. 24. While you can spot meteors zooming across the sky any time after dark, your best opportunity will be in the few hours before sunrise.

    As the night goes on, the constellation Perseus — where the meteors appear to originate­ — will rise higher in the northeast sky. However, you can look anywhere overhead, not just in that direction.

    Meteors will be visible through the duration of the event, but its peak is on Tuesday, Aug. 12. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear sky, you may see 50 to 75 meteors every hour. 

    The Perseids produce long, bright trails, making it one of the more visual annual showers.

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    We see the Perseids in the late summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris that Comet Swift-Tuttle leaves behind. The “shooting stars” actually come from grains that are about the size of Grape Nuts, according to Sky & Telescope, that burn in the atmosphere as they zip by at over 130,000 miles per hour.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers. (Courtesy of Sky & Telescope)

    There is one fly in the ointment for this year’s Perseid viewing. The next full moon on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 9, is expected to be one of the brightest of the year. This will severly limit the number of meteors seen in the day or two leading up to and following the full moon.

    This would closely coincide with the peak on Tuesday, Aug. 12. 

    No matter what, you’ve got plenty of time to see this premier celestial event for the next several weeks. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • The Perseid meteor shower begins, lasts through late August

    [ad_1]

    The Perseid meteor shower is always a highly-anticipated astronomical event. However, this year, the viewing may be more difficult than in years past.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Perseid meteor shower has up to 75 meteors per hour

    • The best time for viewing will fall in the pre-dawn hours

    • A full moon may get in the way of peak viewing

    The Perseid meteor shower starts Thursday, July 17 and lasts through Aug. 24. While you can spot meteors zooming across the sky any time after dark, your best opportunity will be in the few hours before sunrise.

    As the night goes on, the constellation Perseus — where the meteors appear to originate­ — will rise higher in the northeast sky. However, you can look anywhere overhead, not just in that direction.

    Meteors will be visible through the duration of the event, but its peak is on Tuesday, Aug. 12. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear sky, you may see 50 to 75 meteors every hour. 

    The Perseids produce long, bright trails, making it one of the more visual annual showers.

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    We see the Perseids in the late summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris that Comet Swift-Tuttle leaves behind. The “shooting stars” actually come from grains that are about the size of Grape Nuts, according to Sky & Telescope, that burn in the atmosphere as they zip by at over 130,000 miles per hour.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers. (Courtesy of Sky & Telescope)

    There is one fly in the ointment for this year’s Perseid viewing. The next full moon on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 9, is expected to be one of the brightest of the year. This will severly limit the number of meteors seen in the day or two leading up to and following the full moon.

    This would closely coincide with the peak on Tuesday, Aug. 12. 

    No matter what, you’ve got plenty of time to see this premier celestial event for the next several weeks. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • How the weather could impact tonight’s MLB Home Run Derby

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    When you think of a baseball player hitting a home run, there are lots of variables that come into play. Who is the batter? Who is the pitcher? What stadium are they playing at? But what about the weather? 

    Wind, rain and snow may come to mind first, but temperature and humidity can influence how far a baseball travels and be a deciding factor in if the ball makes it out of the park.

    What You Need To Know

    • The temperature can influence how far a baseball travels

    • Warm and humid air is less dense than cold and dry air

    • Lower density allows the baseball to travel further

    Warm air is less dense than cold air. Air expands when it’s heated, so the molecules are more spread out. This means there is less air for the ball to travel through, giving it less resistance. 

    Now factoring in humidity, warmer air can hold more moisture. Water vapor is light compared to nitrogen and oxygen molecules, so humid air is less dense than dry air at the same temperature.

    When it’s hot and humid, the air is lighter, and the baseball can travel further.

    A 2023 study claims that “a 1° C increase in the daily high temperature on the day of a baseball game played in a stadium without a dome increases the number of home runs in that game by 1.96%.” A bigger difference in home runs was observed for games played during the early afternoon versus night games because of the larger difference in temperature.

    How about cold air? Cold air is more dense than warm air, so the ball has to travel through more air. Molecules move closer together when the air contracts as temperature lowers. 

    If it’s cold and dry out, the drier air will have fewer water vapor molecules, so the nitrogen and oxygen comprising the air will be heavier than the humid air would be. 

    Ideally, outdoor games in hot and humid climates are most favorable for seeing your favorite team or player hit a home run.

    Tonight’s MLB Home Run Derby is in Atlanta, and the forecast calls for no rain and temperatures near 90 degrees with heat index values in the mid-90s. Get ready to watch the ball fly! 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Thursday brings July’s full moon, the ‘Buck Moon’

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    This month’s “Buck Moon” also happens when the moon will be at its closest to Earth for the year.

    What You Need To Know

    • July’s full moon is commonly called the “Buck Moon,” but sometimes goes by “Thunder Moon”

    • It will peak Thursday afternoon but look largest around sunset

    • The moon will appear low in the sky because it’s the full moon closest to the summer solstice


    Full moons’ nicknames typically relate to something from that time of year. July’s full moon is called the “Buck Moon” because this is when bucks’ (male deer) new antlers have grown more sizeable after starting late in the spring.

    An American Whitetail deer buck. (AP Photo/Dr. Scott M. Lieberman)

    Other names include the “Thunder Moon,” as this time of year typically sees a threat for thunderstorms.

    The moon will be at its fullest at 4:36 p.m. EDT, but it’ll still be essentially full when it rises Thursday evening and will appear low in the sky. This happens because it’s the full moon closest to the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest in the daytime sky, and the moon tracks a correspondingly low path through the night.

    The moon will look even lower than normal because of a phenomenon known as a ‘Major Lunar Standstill,’ when the sun’s gravity drags the moon’s tilted orbit into its most extreme inclination relative to Earth’s celestial equator. This occurs every 18.6 years.

    Here’s the cloud cover forecast for Wednesday evening through Friday evening across the country.


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Thursday brings July’s full moon, the ‘Buck Moon’

    [ad_1]

    This month’s “Buck Moon” also happens when the moon will be at its closest to Earth for the year.

    What You Need To Know

    • July’s full moon is commonly called the “Buck Moon,” but sometimes goes by “Thunder Moon”

    • It will peak Thursday afternoon but look largest around sunset

    • The moon will appear low in the sky because it’s the full moon closest to the summer solstice


    Full moons’ nicknames typically relate to something from that time of year. July’s full moon is called the “Buck Moon” because this is when bucks’ (male deer) new antlers have grown more sizeable after starting late in the spring.

    An American Whitetail deer buck. (AP Photo/Dr. Scott M. Lieberman)

    Other names include the “Thunder Moon,” as this time of year typically sees a threat for thunderstorms.

    The moon will be at its fullest at 4:36 p.m. EDT, but it’ll still be essentially full when it rises Thursday evening and will appear low in the sky. This happens because it’s the full moon closest to the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest in the daytime sky, and the moon tracks a correspondingly low path through the night.

    The moon will look even lower than normal because of a phenomenon known as a ‘Major Lunar Standstill,’ when the sun’s gravity drags the moon’s tilted orbit into its most extreme inclination relative to Earth’s celestial equator. This occurs every 18.6 years.

    Here’s the cloud cover forecast for Wednesday evening through Friday evening across the country.


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • 5 simple ways to run your A/C less this summer

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    Help your air conditioner help you stay cool this summer. Check out these things that you can do today to take some pressure off your A/C and save you some money on your electric bill.

    What You Need To Know

    • Your ceiling fan should spin a certain way to create a breeze

    • Limit the amount of sunlight coming into your home

    • Raise the thermostat, especially when you’re away

    • Maintain your air conditioning system



    Look at your ceiling fans

    Turn on your ceiling fans and see which way they’re spinning. Having them go counterclockwise circulates the air around the room, creating a small breeze that’ll help keep you cool.

    This can especially become helpful if you have a second floor, since warm air rises and you might need a little extra “oomph” to keep things cool there.

    (Spectrum News/Justin Gehrts)

    Open up

    Don’t close doors to rooms or walk-in closets. Keeping them open lets air circulate. One exception to this rule is the bathroom while showering, beyond obviously wanting privacy. You don’t want your air conditioner working hard to counteract the warm, humid air, so close that door while you’re in there and turn on the ceiling vent fan.

    Block the sun

    Okay, you can’t completely blot out the sun’s light to keep it from heating up your house. But you can close your blinds or curtains. Bright sunlight shining through the windows adds unwanted heat… well, maybe not unwanted by everyone.

    Turn the dial

    Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Turn up your thermostat a few degrees. There’s a good reason it’s repeated so often. Every degree of cooling increases energy usage by as much as 8%!

    (Photo by Olivia Levada)

    Try upping it by a degree or two at first and gradually increase it as you get more used to the higher setting. Remember to use fans to your advantage.

    If you’d rather not set your thermostat higher all the time, try doing it when you’re going to be away for a while. Just don’t crank it really low for your return; a colder setting doesn’t make your home cool any faster.

    Keep it clean

    Replace the indoor air filter as necessary (usually every couple of months), since a dirty filter reduces air flow and makes your A/C work harder than it needs to.

    (Spectrum News)

    You also need to keep the actual air conditioning unit that’s outdoors clean. Remove leaves and other debris, then hose off the dust, dirt and other stuff that’s gotten stuck in there.

    Extra credit

    Want to go above and beyond the five simple tips above? Here are three bonus ideas.

    • Seal air leaks around windows. Many kids have heard “we’re not cooling the outside!” as they hold the front door open for longer than necessary. Your house might already be doing that without being as obvious. Closing those leaks keeps warm air out and cool air in.
    • Get an A/C inspection. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having a professional check on your air conditioner each year can save you a lot of trouble… and sweating, if it conks out in the middle of the summer.
    • Plant shade trees. These are most effective on the south and west sides of your house, since that’s where the strongest afternoon sunshine comes from. This can be pricey up front, but is certainly beneficial. If you DIY it, be sure to get underground utilities marked.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

    Source link

  • 5 simple ways to run your A/C less this summer

    [ad_1]

    Help your air conditioner help you stay cool this summer. Check out these things that you can do today to take some pressure off your A/C and save you some money on your electric bill.

    What You Need To Know

    • Your ceiling fan should spin a certain way to create a breeze

    • Limit the amount of sunlight coming into your home

    • Raise the thermostat, especially when you’re away

    • Maintain your air conditioning system



    Look at your ceiling fans

    Turn on your ceiling fans and see which way they’re spinning. Having them go counterclockwise circulates the air around the room, creating a small breeze that’ll help keep you cool.

    This can especially become helpful if you have a second floor, since warm air rises and you might need a little extra “oomph” to keep things cool there.

    (Spectrum News/Justin Gehrts)

    Open up

    Don’t close doors to rooms or walk-in closets. Keeping them open lets air circulate. One exception to this rule is the bathroom while showering, beyond obviously wanting privacy. You don’t want your air conditioner working hard to counteract the warm, humid air, so close that door while you’re in there and turn on the ceiling vent fan.

    Block the sun

    Okay, you can’t completely blot out the sun’s light to keep it from heating up your house. But you can close your blinds or curtains. Bright sunlight shining through the windows adds unwanted heat… well, maybe not unwanted by everyone.

    Turn the dial

    Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Turn up your thermostat a few degrees. There’s a good reason it’s repeated so often. Every degree of cooling increases energy usage by as much as 8%!

    (Photo by Olivia Levada)

    Try upping it by a degree or two at first and gradually increase it as you get more used to the higher setting. Remember to use fans to your advantage.

    If you’d rather not set your thermostat higher all the time, try doing it when you’re going to be away for a while. Just don’t crank it really low for your return; a colder setting doesn’t make your home cool any faster.

    Keep it clean

    Replace the indoor air filter as necessary (usually every couple of months), since a dirty filter reduces air flow and makes your A/C work harder than it needs to.

    (Spectrum News)

    You also need to keep the actual air conditioning unit that’s outdoors clean. Remove leaves and other debris, then hose off the dust, dirt and other stuff that’s gotten stuck in there.

    Extra credit

    Want to go above and beyond the five simple tips above? Here are three bonus ideas.

    • Seal air leaks around windows. Many kids have heard “we’re not cooling the outside!” as they hold the front door open for longer than necessary. Your house might already be doing that without being as obvious. Closing those leaks keeps warm air out and cool air in.
    • Get an A/C inspection. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having a professional check on your air conditioner each year can save you a lot of trouble… and sweating, if it conks out in the middle of the summer.
    • Plant shade trees. These are most effective on the south and west sides of your house, since that’s where the strongest afternoon sunshine comes from. This can be pricey up front, but is certainly beneficial. If you DIY it, be sure to get underground utilities marked.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

    Source link