Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week and will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and a medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. And on that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.
- Unlike the plethora of grandstanding storm chasers, these folks are doing serious research into the beast they’re chasing…only this time it’s wildfires. “Wildfire chasers are the new tornado chasers.”
- If you’ve been following the California wildfires closely, you’ve certainly seen fire retardant being dispersed from aircraft. Here’s a good read on that chemical, what it does, and its possible hazards.
- NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft has had an incredible journey over several decades and has revealed some surprising discoveries as it moved into interstellar space.
- There’s no way to describe this situation other than heartbreaking. “Huge amounts of abandoned fishing gear litter the world’s oceans.”
- This animation will give you a startling visualization of just how bad and widespread the air pollution is in India and other countries around the globe. To put it more succinctly, “The map shows the forecast amount of tiny particulate matter in the air, also known as PM 2.5. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the blood. They have been linked to heart disease, strokes and cancer.”
- The discussion on climate change has taken on very serious tones this year…not because of histrionics, but because of rock solid facts.
- Speaking of rock solid facts, a stern message was conveyed by climate scientists backed by decades of research. “11,000 Scientists: Please Panic, Climate Change Will Kill Us All.”
- Despite anticipated precipitation increases for places like the United States and Europe, populous regions already facing water stresses. “The world is getting wetter, yet water may become less available for North America and Eurasia.”
- How far into the future are weather forecasts reliable and accurate? One recent study says approximately ten days is a reasonable limit…and I wholeheartedly concur.
- Last but certainly not least, it’s Movember…one month out of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!
That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so is Tornado Quest. I’d like to thank so many of you again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be a automatic death sentence, and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.
Cheers…and Good Luck!
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