New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

astronomy

The Upcoming Geminid Meteor Shower Has Become Our Most Prolific

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Geminid meteor showerI’ve always loved the idea of watching the sky for shooting stars. But I’m much more likely to be up to watch the sunrise than I am to stay awake past midnight, when most meteor showers happen. Lucky for me, the upcoming Geminid meteor shower will provide an opportunity to wish upon a shooting star before my bedtime.

Peaking from December 13 to 14, this year’s Geminids coincide with the dark sky of a new moon, which should make for great viewing – assuming the night is clear, of course. [Read more…] about The Upcoming Geminid Meteor Shower Has Become Our Most Prolific

Exploring Records Related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)

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Scientific Study of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) [image cropped] National Archives Identifier 295136808The American cultural phenomena of “flying saucers” started in 1947 when a civilian aircraft pilot saw several objects from his plane that he claimed were traveling at supersonic speeds. Reports of more flying saucers soon proliferated throughout the country and the term “unidentified flying object” was coined by the military in 1952.

When a rancher found unidentified debris including rubber, tape, and tinfoil near Roswell, NM, the most enduring UFO legend was born. [Read more…] about Exploring Records Related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)

Michael Anderson: Plattsburgh’s Native Astronaut

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Michael Anderson during the STS-107 Columbia Space Shuttle missionHistory is often treated as an old thing, of events before anyone’s living memory, of days gone by. And yet history is happening all around us, all the time, right now, if we only choose to recognize it.

Clinton County made that choice in 2020 — in a big, bold way — a choice to mark the remarkable life of one of its own, Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson. [Read more…] about Michael Anderson: Plattsburgh’s Native Astronaut

Migratory Birds Face Increasing Light Pollution

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continental U.S. at night from satellite photosNighttime light pollution levels are increasing the most in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America according to findings based on year-round data collected over the last two decades in the Western Hemisphere.

This trend is a real concern for birds that fly at night during spring and fall migration and even during non-migratory seasons. Results of the study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Colorado State University are published in Ecosphere. [Read more…] about Migratory Birds Face Increasing Light Pollution

The Science of Lunar Lunacy

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The supermoon of November 14th 2016 courtesy Wikimedia suer TomruenAs if today’s war on science wasn’t bad enough, it seems researchers have been courting further bad press by admitting they’ve spent countless hours on lunacy studies. To clarify, this research is on lunar effects on our behavior and sleep – I don’t know of any work being done to analyze sheer foolishness and irrational acts, the other kind of lunacy. Given the events that dominated the news this January, though, maybe that would be a fair line of inquiry. [Read more…] about The Science of Lunar Lunacy

Super Wood: Coming To Space Near You

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University of Maryland super woodAs a card-carrying, registered tree hugger, I have long touted the benefits of trees such as carbon storage, energy savings and improved mental health. And beyond the familiar tree-related blessings such as maple syrup, lumber and firewood, I’ve written about some obscure things like birch-based candy that fights tooth decay, and health-promoting chaga tea derived from a birch fungus. Then there’s basswood bark for fiber, elm bark for baskets, and pine bark for lunch.

That stuff is all pretty straightforward. More highly processed wood products, though, are a mystery to me. [Read more…] about Super Wood: Coming To Space Near You