I don't know about you, but this winter got my attention with over 18+ inches of snow, bone chilling temps for days and now rain with thunder. This has NOT been a typical Virginia winter and is making up for the past several that were somewhat mild.
If you have been suffering through winter in the U.S. I consider this article a MUST READ.
The average world wide temperature on our planet is changing - it is increasing. Is this long term or a short term? I don't think anyone can say.
But NASA is dedicating 5 new missions in 2014 dedicated to Earth science as detailed in this email to me from NASA JPL:
The five launches, including two to the International Space Station (ISS), are part of an active year for NASA Earth science researchers, who also will conduct airborne campaigns to the poles and hurricanes, develop advanced sensor technologies, and use satellite data and analytical tools to improve natural hazard and climate change preparedness.
The planned launch schedule (subject to change) is:
Feb 27 - Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory
June 6 - ISS-RapidScat
July - Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)-2
September 12 - Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS)
November - Soil Moisture Active Passive mission
News and information, including videos, will be posted throughout the year at a new website: Earth Right Now http://www.nasa.gov/
Two new overview videos are available for download:
NASA 2014: Earth http://www.youtube.com/
NASA Set for a Big Year in Earth Science:
I don't mind telling you that I am concerned as to where our planet's climate is headed. I have been on this planet for over 6 decades and I can never remember a string of weather-climate events like we have had in the past few years.
I have always said to my college classes that humans can exist on this planet because of two things - climate and geology. Change either one and you change humanity.
Only time and data will tell.
I'll have more on the NASA missions as they come about.
Sky Guy in VA
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