Trixology

Weather => General Weather Discussion => Topic started by: elagache on October 13, 2023, 10:51:11 PM

Title: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2023-24
Post by: elagache on October 13, 2023, 10:51:11 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

It has been a few weeks since the autumn equinox, so we can start a new thread with photos of the sky phenomena - if possible featuring our weather instruments.  This morning featured sky conditions surprisingly similar to the first photo of the previous season's thread (https://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=3472.0):

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3vZsnBh/0/05d27be5/XL/Yellow%20cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-3vZsnBh/A)

It has been cooler in California and indeed many parts of the United States for the start of autumn.  However, if the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/) is on the mark, that is about to change.

Edouard
Title: Looking more like autumn. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on October 31, 2023, 10:28:04 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

The weather is becoming more variable in Northern California.  We have had some rain and we had our first significant off-shore wind event over the weekend.  Fortunately, no new wildfires started and nobody lost their electricity to public safety power shutoffs.  This morning there was a pretty sunrise that looked more like autumn:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-qzVKNJp/0/d1e6c332/XL/Cloud%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-qzVKNJp/A)

Enjoy!

Edouard
Title: Winter solstice 2023 (Re: Moods of the sky , , , 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on December 20, 2023, 09:54:24 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

For most of you, tomorrow is the winter solstice.  You can find out at what time it will occur in your time zone at this webpage:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20231222T0327&msg=December%20solstice%202023 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20231222T0327&msg=December%20solstice%202023)

The weather here in northern California has been a bit peculiar and we haven't had the usual abundance of fiery sunrises that make for very pretty photos.  So I have something different:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-cS2BScR/0/2917b736/XL/Clouds%20and%20first%20quarter%20Moon%20behind%20anenometer%20in%20the%20afternoon-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-cS2BScR/A)

It has always been for a time for refection and pondering - ever more so this year.  There is much to be concerned about and not all that much to be hopeful about.  We are in need of miracles of cosmic dimensions - can such things come to pass?

Edouard
Title: Re: Winter solstice 2023 (Re: Moods of the sky , , , 2023-24)
Post by: Blicj11 on December 21, 2023, 04:12:42 PM
Quote from: elagache on December 20, 2023, 09:54:24 PM
It has always been for a time for refection and pondering - ever more so this year.  There is much to be concerned about and not all that much to be hopeful about.  We are in need of miracles of cosmic dimensions - can such things come to pass?

Yes!
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2023-24
Post by: xairbusdriver on December 21, 2023, 06:08:29 PM
Speaking of "miracles", I've read that we can expect more Sun light starting tomorrow! At least for the next six months...  [cheer]

As for "reflection and pondering", recently read this quotation of Hannah Arendt (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Arendt):
Quote
"...A people that no longer can believe anything cannot make up its own mind. It is deprived not only of its capacity to act but also or its capacity to think and to judge. And with such a people you can then do what you please."

Hoping we can remember the whole point of this season as we may be distracted with shopping.
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2023-24
Post by: LesCimes on December 21, 2023, 10:14:50 PM
Quote
Quote
Hoping we can remember the whole point of this season as we may be distracted with shopping.

A good reminder!
Title: Not to believe but what to believe . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on December 21, 2023, 10:49:43 PM
Dear Blick, X-Air, Michael, and WeatherCatters forced to ponder deep matters,

Thanks for your encouragement, but it has been arguably the worse year of my life and December definitely further brought it down a notch.  My spirituality cannot be described as anything but in turmoil. 

Quote from: xairbusdriver on December 21, 2023, 06:08:29 PM
As for "reflection and pondering", recently read this quotation of Hannah Arendt (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Arendt):

"...A people that no longer can believe anything cannot make up its own mind. It is deprived not only of its capacity to act but also or its capacity to think and to judge. And with such a people you can then do what you please."

If faith alone was the answer, than humanity should have been paradise before the invention of science.  Before that, there was nothing but faith.  Alas, there are now two vicious wars raging.  In both cases, the protagonists at least claim a faith in the same God.  Clearly that faith is no cure for hatred.  Perhaps we need to reconsider our theology and cosmology such that Love can truly be set free from the hatred that for the moment enslaves it.

Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2023-24
Post by: LesCimes on December 22, 2023, 10:30:26 PM
Alas, you correctly observe that horrors of this year and there certainly appears no solution in sight. Quite discouraging, to say the least.

Quote
Perhaps we need to reconsider our theology and cosmology such that Love can truly be set free from the hatred that for the moment enslaves it.
Yes! For me, it is faith that connects me to that Love. Tragically, that is far from a universal experience.
Title: Finally some sunrise color . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on January 08, 2024, 11:30:33 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the moods of the sky,

Thus far,  El Niño hasn't caused the sort of deluges that people were fearing for California.  As a result, I continue to not see the sort of colorful sunrises that are usually more common at this time of year.  However, this morning was an exception:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-cVtTTvC/0/492b93e2/XL/Cloud%20band%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-cVtTTvC/A)

More rain is expected, but, according to my difference from average rainfall synthetic channel, we are below average for this point in January.

Edouard
Title: Red sunrise warning. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on January 19, 2024, 10:10:03 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the skies many moods,

The weather is turning more stormy here in Northern California and yesterday's sunrise was an indicator of this:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-Fzjc3Mj/0/9719ef44/XL/Clould%20bands%20behind%20anemometer%20before%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-Fzjc3Mj/A)

If the forecast holds up we should end up with above normal rainfall for January after all.

Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2023-24
Post by: xairbusdriver on January 22, 2024, 07:58:15 PM
Sent to my wife who was too occupied driving to stop and capture. A Sunset ~12 days ago:
Title: Beautiful! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on January 22, 2024, 10:24:11 PM
That's a beautiful photo X-Air!  Thanks for sharing!

Edouard
Title: Stormy skies . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on January 31, 2024, 09:47:46 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the moods of the sky,

We are expecting a powerful storm to roll though over the next 24 hours or so.  Yesterday morning there was something of a warning of this at sunrise:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-gptTHfX/0/7fd849df/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20around%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-gptTHfX/A)

For all the hype about El Niño, it will take this storm on the last day of January to finally bring us to above normal rainfall for the month.

Edouard
Title: Afternoon clouds. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on February 25, 2024, 10:55:05 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

The days are definitely getting longer around here and we are having something of a heat wave for February.  This afternoon we had some pretty clouds that created a different kind of scene than my usual photographic style:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-b5K2zd2/0/CPZg2mSQqXJQFhJ5c4bvk2xwBDBMLWLcCc74D7RHQ/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20behind%20the%20anemometer%20in%20the%20afternoon-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-b5K2zd2/A)

Spring isn't here yet, but winter is definitely starting to wind down.

Edouard
Title: Spring Equinox. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on March 18, 2024, 09:21:12 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

Typically, the astronomical transitions of the seasons arrive around the 21st of their respective month.  This year's spring equinox is quite early.  It happens on the 19th for a good part of North America.  You can look up exactly when it happens for your locale on this web page:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20240320T0306&msg=March%20equinox%202025 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20240320T0306&msg=March%20equinox%202025)

Unfortunately, the locust tree behind the Canebas anemometer still hasn't started to leaf.  So my photo to commemorate the change of season looks more like a goodbye to winter than a welcoming to spring:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-MrcfDzR/0/DwswZw7q7Z3LctmP8NPvsRNjD5QszKpgcr9tDGPv6/XL/Mixed%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-MrcfDzR/A)

That might be appropriate though.  If the current forecasts hold up, old man winter isn't finished up with California just yet.

Edouard
Title: Summer solstice . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on June 19, 2024, 09:18:41 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of seasons turning,

Time flies when you are having fun.  :)  Sometimes time flies even faster when you aren't!  >:(  Whatever the case for you, tomorrow is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and of course the winter solstice in the south.  Here is a web-page with locate times all over the world for you to look up exactly when it happens at your locale:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20240620T2050&msg=June%20solstice%202024 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20240620T2050&msg=June%20solstice%202024)

I had been struggling to find an appropriate photo for the occasion.  This afternoon cooperated just in the nick of time:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-gsrD3sN/0/C7cTsPnJXsMcd46BnXdWBsv9tp4bTXN7k9DGTB4qL/XL/High%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20at%20midday-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-gsrD3sN/A)

Whether the summer will be a serene as this photo . . . . . as the old slogan reminds us . . . . "your mileage may vary!" . . . . :o

Edouard
Title: Summer weather and inhabitants (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on August 20, 2024, 10:17:32 PM
Dear WeatherCat climate watchers,

Here in northern California, the monsoons have been less active than normal.  While that is good for avoiding wildfires, it leaves us with nothing but boring blue skies most of the time.  This morning was an exception:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-Sz8jmrH/0/LGTqP9mK4DZ4J2CZkWBFHn9t83LTFRHkJnn6JL9Xg/XL/Thin%20high%20clouds%20after%20sunrise-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-Sz8jmrH/A)

As usual, I took a number of photos at varying exposures.  The last photo was clearly underexposed but featured an unexpected visitor making a cameo appearance:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-65Frxzn/0/MbnHwvxtfQP9GwHVHXtRKvM9GkhcTkKNbLjwhfx5T/XL/Thin%20high%20clouds%20and%20hummingbird%20after%20sunrise-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-65Frxzn/A)

In the top left corner of this photo is a hummingbird who was unsure if it was safe to visit the feeder that is on our deck at that moment.

As the old song goes: "summertime and the living is easy" . . . . . at least if you are a hummingbird who has trained the nearby humans to keep the feeder well-stocked!

Edouard
Title: Goodbye summer - Hello autumn . . . (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on September 21, 2024, 09:51:20 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

We are at another one of those turning points.  This time I had two photos that I am kind of fond of, so I will supply two facets of the fall equinox.  First things first, it is time to say farewell to summer:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-xDx9P59/0/Mcd2RWh74wVnqb6CxZFbzRTPSPPG2p8Kbrwp3LfwN/XL/High%20thin%20clouds%20behind%20anemometer%20in%20the%20afternoon-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-xDx9P59/A)

Even as the fair weather clouds provide spice to the blue skies, the leaves of our locust tree are starting to turn.  Clock watchers will note that the equinox falls on Sunday for most of the world.  As usual you can find the exact time in your time zone on this webpage:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20240922T1243&msg=September%20equinox%202024 (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20240922T1243&msg=September%20equinox%202024)

My photo greeting autumn has only a hint of turbulence as the marine layer was mixing out:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-bKgPB76/0/NRth7zNsGHmvrdSKKPxMhxB42RSSZt5WvZKWPF8Pw/XL/Fog%20behind%20the%20anemometer%20after%20dawn-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-bKgPB76/A)

So what sort of autumn can you expect?  As the now largely obsolete phase implies: . . . . . "Your mileage may vary!"  ;)

Edouard
Title: Monsoonal moisture above. (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on October 04, 2024, 09:37:32 PM
Dear WeatherCat observers of the seasons turning,

We are only a few weeks into autumn.  Here is California we are suffering from the heat that frequently occurs from high pressure systems passing over the state.  Nonetheless, there is signs of change:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-DPpgpM7/0/KjF9JccvfMWzjr3TMQFtb8jnwD3KPB5jHwppfqrm4/XL/Cloud%20bands%20after%20sunrise-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Nature/Weather/2023-24-Sky-effects-behind-weather-instruments/i-DPpgpM7/A)

These clouds are remnants of monsoonal moisture at about 10,000 feet (3050 meters.)  Sadly, the humidities are so low that any rainfall cannot penetrate to reach the ground.  However, the processes that bring about the change of seasons are well underway.

Like it or not!

Edouard
Title: Re: Moods of the sky behind our weather instruments 2023-24
Post by: Steve on October 15, 2024, 03:38:05 PM
It looks like Autumn has arrived.
Title: Thank you Steve! (Re: Moods of the sky . . . 2023-24)
Post by: elagache on October 16, 2024, 10:57:36 PM
Dear Steve and other WeatherCatters watching the change of season,

Quote from: Steve on October 15, 2024, 03:38:05 PM
It looks like Autumn has arrived.

A very dramatic change indeed!  Thanks Steve for sharing!

Edouard