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30 November 2001

Weather Observations for the Inquisitive

by R. W. Fergus

This project started many years ago as an effort to use atmospheric electromagnetic activity (sferics) for severe weather (especially tornadoes) prediction. Through the years, observations would suggest system modification which lead to more observations suggesting more modifications. At this time, some correlation with severe weather has been achieved but there is a question if the ultimate system design has been produced. The current system consists of a crossed loop antenna, PIC microcontroller pulse analyzer, and PC for data analysis, display, and storage. This system is presented for those who might have an interest in further investigation.

Recently, atmospheric ion current and sky color components have been added the the monitoring effort. These factors have produced some interesting patterns which have yet to be correlated with weather or other phenomenon. Many patterns have been observed in the night time color data which is a result of sun light being refracted (scattered) around the earth's atmosphere. These patterns vary in duration from hours to many days. Two examples are especially intriguing. First, there seems to be a relationship between the night time green light level and temperature variation through the night: a high green level indicates minimal temperature variation. Second, about 24 hours prior to a recent unusually strong Northern Light display, there was several hours of high positive atmospheric ion current.

The early monitoring experience demonstated that single measurements could be very misleading and continous unattended monitoring was mandatory. Graphical display of the history (patterns) was found to be very interesting and productive. This continous monitoring also required some sensitivity or range adjusment therefore most of the factors are scaled in logarithmic or ratio values.

For a more detailed project description, data examples, software, hardware documentation, etc., visit the website: www.theramp.net/sferics