Earth

Astronomical Autumn vs. Meteorological Autumn

Meteorological Autumn and Astronomical Autumn are two different ways of defining the seasons: Meteorological Autumn: Meteorological seasons are based on the calendar months and are primarily used by meteorologists and climatologists for consistent and simplified record-keeping and forecasting. In the meteorological definition, autumn is considered to be the three calendar months of September, October, and November in the Northern Hemisphere, and March, April, and May in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sky

Overcast vs Cloudy Weather: What's the Difference?

While overcast and cloudy weather conditions both involve clouds in the sky, there is an important distinction between the two terms. Let’s take a closer look at what defines overcast weather and what defines cloudy weather. Overcast Weather Overcast refers to dense, complete, or nearly complete cloud cover where clouds obscure most or all of the sky and block out direct sunlight.

Sky

How Hurricanes Get Their Names?

Did you know how hurricanes and typhoons get their names? Previously, no system existed; the names of the hurricanes depended on the date (for example, Hurricane Santa Anna, which happened on St. Anne’s Day) or its form (as happened with Hurricane “Pin”). There were even anecdotic cases: for example, one meteorologist from Australia used to give the hurricanes the names of politicians who voted against the budget for meteorological research.

Sky

How is Storm Naming in Europe Different from the USA?

Europe: History & System: The practice of naming storms in Europe is relatively recent compared to the USA. It began in the 1950s for the North Atlantic storms and was more widely adopted in the 21st century. Various national meteorological agencies across Europe are responsible for naming storms. For instance, the UK’s Met Office, Ireland’s Met Éireann, and the Netherlands' Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute collaborate to name storms that impact their regions.

Sky

Perseids Starfall

Perseids starfall from 10 to 20 August. Already next week, starting from August 10, it will be possible to observe the famous Perseids starfall in the night sky. The Perseids are numerous tail particles of the Swift-Tuttle Comet. It last approached the Earth in 1992. The peak of the starfall activity will take place on August 12-13.

Earth

August 2024 compared to Augusts from 1923 to 2023

Sky

How Mist Is Different From Fog?

Mist occurs when temperatures range from 5 to 15°C and warm air meets cooler surfaces. This interaction of warm and cool air leads to the formation of very small water droplets in the atmosphere. Unlike fog, which contains larger droplets, mist droplets are typically not visible to the naked eye.

Sky

Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

Late July meteor shower — don’t miss it! A meteor shower of Southern Delta Aquarids is expected to get the maximum force in the night sky on July 30. Scientists believe that the number of meteors can reach 25 per hour, and one will be able to observe them with the naked eye, provided the night is cloudless.

Earth

July 2024 compared to Julys from 1923 to 2023

Witness the June Bootid Meteor Shower: A Cosmic Light Show

As summer takes hold, the night sky prepares to dazzle stargazers with one of its less predictable but no less enchanting spectacles: the June Bootid Meteor Shower. Set against the backdrop of the constellation Boötes, this meteor shower offers an opportunity for an impromptu celestial light show. Mark your calendars for the last week of June to catch this cosmic event.

Earth

#ShowYourStripes Day

June 21st is #ShowYourStripes day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about climate change. The day is named after the iconic “climate stripes” graphics, which depict the warming of the earth’s surface over time using a simple color scheme, with 🟦 blue representing cooler temperatures and 🟥 red representing warmer temperatures.

The Milky Way Shines Bright in Late June

As summer settles in, stargazers are in for a treat. Late June offers some of the year’s best opportunities to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles – the luminous band of the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. This cosmic display is particularly striking for those in the Southern Hemisphere or lucky enough to find themselves in dark-sky locations.