Latest news with #AmericanMeteorologicalSociety
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
Two meteor showers peak this week, while the Perseids are active, too
Stargazers have the opportunity to spot three active meteor showers this week, with two of those showers reaching their peak. The Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids meteor showers begin their peak on Tuesday, July 29, which comes as the Perseids nears its own peak in mid-August, according to the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids peak from Tuesday night, July 29 into Wednesday morning, July 30, and the showers will remain active until Tuesday, Aug. 12, according to the AMS. The Perseids, considered the "best meteor shower of the year," peak in roughly two weeks, from the night of Aug. 12 through the morning of Aug. 13, according to NASA. The best time to view the Perseids is between midnight and dawn, according to the society. However, the night the meteor shower peaks (Aug. 12) will coincide with the full moon. The light of the moon can hinder the stargazing experience, making it harder to see the meteor shower. However, late July could be a worthwhile time to look for the Perseids, according to Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator. Not only will two other meteor showers have their peak, but the moon will not be as bright and meteors could be easier to see. "With the moon bothering the Perseids this year, the last couple of days of July might be a good opportunity to see some meteors without any moon," said Lunsford. Those hoping to see the shower should also do the following, according to the AMS: For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket or a reclining chair. No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor showers, according to the society. However, Lunsford said that those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500. He advises beginners to opt for a telescope with a lens instead of a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends a pair of binoculars. Backyard astronomers can use apps, like SkyView, which is available on the App Store or Google Play, or other star-gazing apps, to help them spot Mercury and other planets and constellations.
USA Today
a day ago
- Science
- USA Today
Two meteor showers peak this week, while the Perseids are active, too
Stargazers have the opportunity to spot three active meteor showers this week, with two of those showers reaching their peak. The Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids meteor showers begin their peak on Tuesday, July 29, which comes as the Perseids nears its own peak in mid-August, according to the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids peak from Tuesday night, July 29 into Wednesday morning, July 30, and the showers will remain active until Tuesday, Aug. 12, according to the AMS. The Perseids, considered the "best meteor shower of the year," peak in roughly two weeks, from the night of Aug. 12 through the morning of Aug. 13, according to NASA. Best place to view the Southern Delta Aquariids in the sky Best place to view the Alpha Capricornids in the sky When is the best time to see the Perseids? The best time to view the Perseids is between midnight and dawn, according to the society. However, the night the meteor shower peaks (Aug. 12) will coincide with the full moon. The light of the moon can hinder the stargazing experience, making it harder to see the meteor shower. However, late July could be a worthwhile time to look for the Perseids, according to Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator. Not only will two other meteor showers have their peak, but the moon will not be as bright and meteors could be easier to see. "With the moon bothering the Perseids this year, the last couple of days of July might be a good opportunity to see some meteors without any moon," said Lunsford. How to prepare before going to see the meteor shower Those hoping to see the shower should also do the following, according to the AMS: For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket or a reclining chair. Do you need any equipment to see the meteor shower? No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor showers, according to the society. However, Lunsford said that those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500. He advises beginners to opt for a telescope with a lens instead of a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends a pair of binoculars. Apps for stargazing Backyard astronomers can use apps, like SkyView, which is available on the App Store or Google Play, or other star-gazing apps, to help them spot Mercury and other planets and constellations. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Night sky to be illuminated with 25 shooting stars per hour next week: Areas, timing, how to watch and more
Image credits: X Summers are not only a great season for some sweet treats but also for some sweet surprises. The best of these can be a night spent stargazing with your partner. Next week, you can enjoy not one but two such opportunities where the sky will be illuminated with about 25 shooting stars per hour. Two minor meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, will peak overnight on July 29-30, making the two nights the perfect time for some stargazing for astronomy lovers and romance lovers alike. Southern Delta Aquariids: Areas, timing, and how to watch Image credits: X The stronger of the two showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids is expected to shoot 20 meteors per hour at its peak. Active from July 18 to August 12, the shower is also known for its faint trails. The peak of the shower will be broad between July 24 and July 31 and will be best seen from the Southern Hemisphere. Those in the northern hemisphere are advised by NASA to catch a sight by "looking halfway between the horizon and the zenith, and 45 degrees from the constellation of Aquarius." They can best be viewed in the pre-dawn hours, away from the city lights. Alpha Capricornids: Areas, timing, and how to watch Image credits: X The second meteor shower is the Alpha Capricornids, which has been in the skies since July 12 and will remain visible till August 22. While the speed of this one is relatively slow and rarely more than five meteorites will appear in a row, it is considerable for its fireballs that are dazzling and appear brighter than any single star. To view these fireballs, also known as meteorites, the American Meteorological Society suggested waiting until they reached their highest point in the night sky, around midnight to 1 o'clock and looking south. The peak here will be reached between 29 and 30 July. For best views, it is best to find a dark sky area with clear views towards the south. In terms of viewing areas, this shower is visible from both hemispheres. What is a meteor shower? Image credits: X While orbiting around the sun, many times a year, Earth passes through the debris left by comets and asteroids. When these fast-moving space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere, they encounter resistance and burn up, resulting in a glow and a fiery tail. While the Delta Aquariids are debris from the comet 96P/Machholz, the Alpha Capricornids originate from the comet 169P/NEAT.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
How you can watch two meteor showers at the same time in July
The summer sky will light up later this month as two meteor showers, the Southern delta Aquariids and alpha Capricornids, are set to peak on the same night. The alpha Capricornids, which are produced by the comet 169P/NEAT, are currently in full swing, according to NASA. The Southern delta Aquariids, which are produced by the comet P/2008 Y12, will begin on July 18. Skygazers will be treated with the two showers converging on the night of July 29 and into early July 30, according to the American Meteorological Society. The Southern delta Aquariids are a strong shower that will produce about 20 meteors per hour during its peak, the AMS said. The alpha Capricornids will not produce as many, reaching only about 5 meteors per hour, but the meteors that will be visible will be quite bright. The Southern delta Aquariids, as their same suggests, will be most visible from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly from the southern tropics. However, the AMS notes that they will still be visible to those in the Northern Hemisphere looking toward the southern skies. Luckily for skygazers, the alpha Capicornids will be equally visible to those on both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the AMS added. How To Watch Fox Weather Views of the fireballs are expected to be clear on the dark night sky – weather permitting, of course – as the Moon will only be 27% full. This means the brightness of our lunar satellite will not detract from the brightness of the Southern delta Aquariids and alpha article source: How you can watch two meteor showers at the same time in July
Forbes
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Would Cat 5 Flood Warnings Have Changed Actions In Texas?
HUNT, TEXAS - JULY 6: Vehicles sit submerged as a search and rescue worker looks through debris for ... More any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on July 6, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by) Texas is still grappling with one of the worst flood disasters in U.S. history, and at the time of writing, another round of extreme rainfall is affecting the Hill Country. The death toll is approaching 130, and nearly 170 people are still missing. Historically, a weather disaster of this magnitude prompts discussion, policy changes, and reflection. Adequate, timely weather warnings were issued in the days and hours leading up to the flood catastrophe, but people still died. As former President of the American Meteorological Society and a scholar who studies extreme rainfall, I continue to ponder whether a category system, like the Saffir-Simpson Scale (hurricanes) or Enhanced Fujita Scale (tornadoes), would have prompted earlier and different actions in Texas (and elsewhere). Scales Have Flaws To be clear, I have argued in recent years that the Saffir-Simpson Scale used for hurricane risk communication has its flaws. It was designed as a wind scale and conveys very little direct information about inland flooding, storm surge, and tornado hazards associated with hurricanes. Studies have shown that water (storm surge and rain) are the deadliest aspect of hurricanes. Yet, people tend to fixate on the category. A study published by our research team at the University of Georgia found that the most prolific rain producers are tropical storms and weakening hurricanes. For example, high-impact rains associated with storms like Helene (2024) and Harvey (2017) were during post-hurricane phase. With hurricanes, I cringe when people say, 'It's just a tropical storm or Category 1 hurricane.' That statement undervalues the impact of rainfall, particularly if the storm slows down or stalls as we saw, for example, with Florence (2018) in the Carolinas. LUMBERTON, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Propane tanks are seen in the flood waters after heavy rains from ... More Hurricane Florence inundated the area on September 20, 2018 in Lumberton, North Carolina. Residents have begun cleaning up in North Carolina as the flooding has begun to subside. (Photo by) Even With Flaws, Is There Opportunity With Flood Risk Communication? That's a long-winded way of saying that planning for impacts is more important than categorization. However, there is no doubt that hurricane categories get the attention of the media, public, and decisionmakers. In the July 4th Texas Floods, the weather warnings were there. As early as four days before the event, NOAA identified the region in its 3 to 7-day hazards outlook for heavy rainfall. Let's pause right there and consider a hypothetical scenario. If a Category 5 hurricane was forecasted to make landfall in 3 to 4 days, what do you think would be happening in threatened jurisdictions? My experience tells me that evacuation planning, infrastructure preparations, and the media onslaught would be in full swing. Day 3 to 7 Hazard Outlook issued on June 30th identified heavy rainfall potential in Texas Hill ... More Country for July 3, 2025. What if we had a category or index system that classified the rainfall in situations like the Texas Hill Country floods? People often tell me they cannot discern an extreme flood threat from more common floods. They complain that about saturation of information. If you live in the 'flash flood alley' of Texas, it is likely that flash flood watches and warnings are common. Let's review the weather warning timelines for the Texas flooding on July 4th: There is a wide variety of flood products and warning messaging. In those warnings words like 'life-threatening' and 'flash flood emergency' were conveyed. NWS did its job. However, the vast area of communication tools and texts may not always resonate with the broader public. One person asked me why don't they just use words with more direct, personal urgency like 'Get to high ground now or you will die!' Over the years, I have seen messaging with hurricanes or tornadoes use such language. We have cute little slogans like 'turn around, don't drown' for conveying some aspects of flood risks, yet I constantly see videos of stranded cars on flooded roadways. To be fair, the NWS is aware of such challenges and have implemented a program to simplify hazard messaging. KERRVILLE, TEXAS - JULY 04: Kerrville resident Leighton Sterling watches flood waters along the ... More Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas with multiple fatalities reported. (Photo by) With the July 4th Floods, there was time in the hours leading up to the rapid rise of the river (~3:00 am) and record crest of the Guadalupe River (~5:10 am) for an array of responses. However, let's move the discussion away from the hours leading up to the event. What about the days leading up to the event? There were clearly signals that prompted National Weather Service meteorologists to identify that region in the 3 to 7-day hazards outlook on June 30. Enough information was in place to warrant a Flash Flood Watch the day before. The Flash Flood Severity Index What happens if these signals were wrapped up in a 'category' and communicated in that way? Even with flaws, emergency managers and the public are conditioned to understand or react to high numbers on scales. In fact, a 2024 study by researchers at the University of South Florida found that not only are people cognizant of the Saffir-Simpson Scale, they are aware of its deficiencies at capturing the full spectrum of risk from rainfall, surge, and so forth. The study recommended audience-centered communication strategies that might include separate rating systems, accessible visuals, personalized information delivery, and tailored messaging for varying levels of risk perception. Meteorologist Hugh Johnson points to the forecast cone of Hurricane Sandy on a computer map at the ... More National Weather Service on Fuller Rd. on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 in Albany, N.Y. This is the predicted path zone for the hurricane as of the time this photo was taken. (Photo by Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images) A 2018 study published in Natural Hazards found that people generally want information about how flooding might occur and when it will happen so that they can understand and process their risk level or decision options. A 2021 study in China revealed that over half the respondents in their survey either underestimated flood risks or had flawed perceptions about them. In Texas Hill Country or other rain-prone regions, normalcy bias narratives that 'we get lots of rain all of the time' can further complicate misperceptions or actions. That same study found that suburban and rural residents reported closer social communications with people in their community, which shaped behavior or attitudes towards flood warnings. Could a flood index help with such misperceptions? We have known for decades that flooding and heat, for some people, do not illicit the same level of risk perception as tornadoes or hurricanes even though they are the two deadliest weather events each year in the U.S. One of my former doctoral students, Amanda Schroeder, came to me several years ago at the University of Georgia with questions about the feasibility of flood scale. Dr. Schroeder and a collective of scholars went on to publish an initial study of a Flash Flood Severity Index in 2016. Yes, one exists. The index has five impact-based categories (Category 1, very minor flooding to Category 5, catastrophic flooding). Just two months ago, Schroeder and a team of NWS colleagues outlined in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society extensive field testing of FFSI since 2018. BEAR CREEK, USA - JULY 8: A view of destruction on a road to Chatham Central High School following ... More the tropical storm Chantal in Bear Creek North Carolina, United States on July 8, 2025. After the storm weakens National Hurricane Center to downgrade it to a tropical depression. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images) The FFSI is a damage-based, post-event assessment like the Enhanced Fujita Scale rating designated after tornadic events. However, I think there is still value in the index. The Texas Hill Country flooding on July 4th was certainly a Category 5. Thanks to the EF scale, people have a keen sense of what damage from an EF-5 tornado looks like. The FFSI could help shape flood literacy and build mental models of what flood risk levels look like, especially if warnings said things like 'potential Category 5 flooding' is possible. The challenge, like with any scale, would be finding the right cadence and usage for the most extreme categories. That's where research comes in. The deadliest weather in the U.S.
