Tag: weather

Classroom Ideas, Main

#tbt: The First Successful Balloon Flight Across the Atlantic

By Maggie Turqman Manager of Research, National Geographic Library In today’s #tbt feature, we remember the historic flight of the Double Eagle II in August 1978—the first balloon flight to cross the Atlantic. Double Eagle II launched on August 11 from Presque Island, Maine, carrying Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman. Almost six days and 4,987 kilometers (3,099 miles) later they landed safely in … Continue reading #tbt: The First Successful Balloon Flight Across the Atlantic

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Forecasting ‘The Longest Day’

WORLD Why was the Normandy invasion so successful? According to Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower, “Because we had better meteorologists than the Germans!” (USA Today) Use our resources to remember D-Day. Discussion Ideas According to the USA Today article, D-Day was delayed a day due to “heavy seas, high winds, and thick cloud cover.” Why would each of these weather patterns deter the invasion? Read … Continue reading Forecasting ‘The Longest Day’

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Fish Rain Down on Sri Lankan Village

SCIENCE Villagers in west Sri Lanka have said they have been surprised and delighted by an unusual rainfall of (edible) small fish. (BBC) When animals get swept up in clouds, look out below! Discussion Ideas Read our media spotlight “Strange Rains,” which nicely explains how so-called “animal rain” might happen. The spotlight describes two types of weather conditions leading to animal rain: waterspouts and updrafts. … Continue reading Fish Rain Down on Sri Lankan Village

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Improving Tornado Forecasts

ENVIRONMENT Tornadoes left at least 17 people dead across much of the U.S. the past week. The devastation is a reminder that forecasting still needs to get better, says a leading government scientist. (National Geographic News) Learn more about preparing for tornadoes and other natural hazards. Click to enlarge and print this handy emergency-kit checklist, from the good folks at FEMA. Discussion Ideas Read through … Continue reading Improving Tornado Forecasts

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Current Event Connection, Main

Why Is This Year Different From All Other Years?

FOOD A shortage of whitefish in the Great Lakes is coming at an inconvenient time for Jewish families: the Passover holiday, perhaps the only time of year when demand for gefilte fish (where whitefish is a key ingredient) exceeds supply. “It may taste like cat food, but that’s why I love it,” says one man. (Associated Press) Use our resources to better understand Passover, food, … Continue reading Why Is This Year Different From All Other Years?

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