A radar unit consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits pulses of microwaves, a type of radio waves, outward in a More
How does weather radar work?
June
What are the different types of thunderstorms?
What are the different types of thunderstorms? A supercell thunderstorm over Chaparral, N.M., photographed by Greg Lundeen for NOAA
Are raindrops tear-shaped?
While some cartoons and some science diagrams draw raindrops in that shape, raindrops are neither tear-shaped nor spherical. Due to the More
Is there a relationship between sun spots and climate?
Is there a relationship between sun spots and climate? 12th century sunspot drawing, from NASA. Since the invention of the telescope in
When does the overnight low temperature occur on a windless day?
When does the overnight low temperature occur on a windless day? Frosty sunrise by Marilylle Soveran As summer begins to fade, the
How much condensed liquid water is in a cubic mile of fog and clouds?
How much condensed liquid water is in a cubic mile of fog and clouds? Fog envelopes the Milwaukee Art Museum, on Lake Michigan’s
Why is the sky blue?
When light beams interact with particles suspended in air, the energy can be absorbed or scattered. Scattering causes the light path to More
What is the dewpoint temperature?
What is the dewpoint temperature? Dew on evergreens, by Michael Theberge at NOAA Think of a morning when you walked on a grass lawn or
What is a landspout tornado?
What is a landspout tornado? Landspout tornado over Hale County in Texas (NOAA). “Landspout” is slang for a tornado that, unlike
When is the severe weather season?
What makes it feel “muggy”?
Summer days are referred to as “muggy” when they are very warm and humid. The word “muggy” is believed to come from the Middle English More
Where does the dew on blades of grass come from?
Where does the dew on blades of grass come from? As fall begins, we have lots of mornings with dew on the grass. To explain this, we
When does tornado season start?
When does tornado season start? June, 2004 tornado near Madison, WI by i am your hero Wisconsin has had tornadoes in every month of the
Why does the sun look flat near the horizon?
This flattening of the sun on the horizon is an example of a mirage. Mirages are not illusions; they are images formed as light bends More
Is humid air heavier than dry air?
Is humid air “heavier” than dry air? Hit a home run! Broadcasters of baseball games in mid-summer commonly suggest that the air