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Category Archives: Phenomena
Why was part of the sky green on Tuesday night?
Why was part of the sky green on Tuesday night? Continue reading
What are geomagnetic storms?
Our sun is an active star that has storms. Sometimes the sun ejects a cloud of gas, called a coronal mass ejection or CME. CMEs are often associated with solar flares, and it takes about two to three days for the charged particles in this gas to reach Earth. Earth’s magnetic field deflects these particles toward the North and South Poles.
Unfortunately, solar electrons and protons from CMEs collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere and can stir up electromagnetic storms in the Earth’s magnetosphere. These geomagnetic storms can result in the Northern Lights but also disrupt satellite-based navigation, communications, air travel, power grids and even pipelines. A geomagnetic storm in March 1989 shut down the Hydro-Quebec electric grid in Canada, leaving people without electricity. Continue reading
What happened during last week’s lunar eclipse?
What happened during last week’s lunar eclipse? Our recent lunar eclipse, visible in Madison at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday, resulted from the Earth being directly between the sun and the moon, thereby casting a shadow on the moon. The degree of … Continue reading
How does the wind make waves on water?
Waves form as the wind’s energy is transferred to the surface of water.
A weak gusty wind can make ripples appear on smooth water. These ripples will dissipate quickly once the wind stops. Continue reading
What is a funnel cloud?
A funnel cloud gets its name from its shape — it is a funnel-shaped protuberance from the base of a thunderstorm.
It is composed of water droplets and is often associated with a supercell storm. The funnel cloud often has rotation, and when it does, it’s a harbinger of possible severe weather. Continue reading
