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Geophysicists and atmospheric scientists partner to track typhoons' seismic footprints

A team of geophysicists and atmospheric scientists has discovered a new way to identify the movement and intensity of hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones using seismometers. By analyzing 13 years of data from the northwest Pacific Ocean, they found statistically significant correlations between seismic data and storms.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 15, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NASA totals rainfall from destructive Tropical Cyclone Gita

Tropical Cyclone Gita produced over a foot of rain, causing widespread destruction and flooding in Samoa and Tonga. NASA's IMERG analysis revealed heavy rains and strong winds affected both countries, with some structures destroyed including Tonga's historic Parliament House.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 14, 2018

NASA eyes powerful Tropical Cyclone Gita in the South Pacific

Tropical Cyclone Gita, a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale, is causing destruction and flooding in Fiji Islands. The storm's eye was located near 21.1 degrees south latitude and 179.1 degrees east longitude, with maximum sustained winds near 126.6 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 13, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite tracking Tropical Cyclone Cebile

Tropical Cyclone Cebile was a powerful hurricane in the Southern Indian Ocean when NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of its well-rounded circulation center. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 132 mph, centered near 16.1 degrees south latitude and 76.1 degrees east longitude.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 1, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scientists use ears in the ground to monitor the eyes of hurricanes

Researchers are developing a new method to monitor hurricane intensity using seismic data, analyzing pressure changes on the surface that generate seismic waves. The technique, called beamforming backprojection, can detect even when the storm is still out at sea, offering a remote way to track storms.

SourceEarthScope National Office·DateDec 11, 2017

Beyond wind speed: A new measure for predicting hurricane impacts

Researchers developed a neural network-based model to assess coastal communities' resiliency to hurricanes. The model forecasts storms in terms of impacts, rather than just wind speed, and has been tested during real-time storms, including Hurricane Harvey.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateDec 5, 2017

Texas' odds of Harvey-scale rainfall to increase by end of century

A new MIT study finds that Texas will face a significant increase in the annual risk of extreme rainfall, rising from 1% to 18% by the end of the century. This rise is attributed to climate change, which is expected to shift the odds in terms of high-intensity storms around the world.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NASA eyes a comma-shaped Tropical Storm Rina

Tropical Storm Rina has taken on a tight comma-cloud appearance, indicating it may be a sub-tropical cyclone. The storm is expected to turn north-northeast and then rapidly northeastward, with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2017

NASA sees late season Atlantic Tropical Depression form

Tropical Depression Nineteen formed in the Central Atlantic Ocean despite wind shear conditions, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. The National Hurricane Center expects it to strengthen and potentially become a tropical storm later on Monday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 6, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to quickly collect building structure datasets from satellite images, supporting emergency response efforts after hurricanes. They also used neutrons to discover the molecular mechanism responsible for flow in a hydrogen-bonding liquid and studied a semiconducting material...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalZeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie/International journal of research in physical chemistry and chemical physics·DateNov 2, 2017

After Harvey: Scientists study changes in Galveston Bay

Researchers from the University of Houston are studying the impact of rainwater surging into Galveston Bay, estimating 34 trillion gallons fell along the Texas-Louisiana coast. They will survey the sea bottom and collect sediment samples to understand extreme event sedimentation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 31, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NSF RAPID grant boosts CCNY's Caribbean storm study

The City College of New York has received a $174,895 NSF RAPID grant to investigate the impacts of post-hurricane land-atmosphere interactions on convective and precipitation processes in the Caribbean region. Researchers will conduct field studies in Puerto Rico to improve their understanding of storm development and intensification.

SourceCity College of New York·DateOct 31, 2017

Satellite shows Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipate

Post-tropical Cyclone Selma dissipated near the border of El Salvador and Honduras as its maximum sustained winds decreased to near 30 mph. The cyclone's estimated minimum central pressure was 1007 millibars, with weakening continuing until it dissipates over the Sierra Madre Mountains.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 30, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

FSU study finds Florida needs more pet-friendly shelters

A recent study from Florida State University found that Miami-Dade County is not fully equipped to handle pet sheltering during emergencies. The study highlights the need for pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelters, particularly for older adults who represent 50-75% of disaster deaths.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateOct 23, 2017

UH researchers join national effort to study recent storms

University of Houston researchers are part of a $5.3 million NSF-funded effort to better understand disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Steven Pennings will examine mangrove protection, while Hanadi Rifai will characterize chemical and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 23, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

NASA sees Hurricane Ophelia lashing Ireland

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite provided detailed thermal and precipitation data on Hurricane Ophelia, showing extreme heavy rainfall rates of over 8.4 inches per hour. The hurricane was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but expected to bring hurricane-force winds to Northern Ireland.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 16, 2017

Warming seas could lead to 70 percent increase in hurricane-related financial loss

A new study published in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure predicts that warmer oceans will lead to higher wind speeds and larger storms, resulting in increased damage and financial losses due to hurricanes. The study estimates a 70% increase in hurricane-related financial loss by 2100 for coastal communities in South Carolina.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSustainable and Resilient Infrastructure·DateOct 12, 2017

NASA's GPM finds Ophelia strengthening in Eastern Atlantic

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found Ophelia's heaviest rainfall south of the center, with rain falling at a rate of almost 3.2 inches per hour. The storm strengthened into a hurricane on Oct. 11, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph and higher gusts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

BU: Stepped care beneficial after hurricanes

A stepped care approach is more effective in reducing PTSD prevalence than usual care in the aftermath of hurricanes. The study found that stepped care delivered greater reach, treatment effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness than usual care when it came to hurricane-related PTSD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2017

NASA eyes the development of Tropical Storm Ophelia

Tropical Storm Ophelia developed on Oct. 9, strengthening into a tropical storm with strong thunderstorms and an eye-like feature. NASA forecasts gradual strengthening over the next 48 hours, with Ophelia expected to become a hurricane by Thursday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

NASA's Aqua satellite finds Hurricane Nate's strongest side

The NASA's Aqua satellite provided valuable temperature data to forecasters, showing the strongest storms were located in Hurricane Nate's eastern side. The storm's cloud top temperatures reached as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 2017

NASA analyzes Tropical Storm Nate

Tropical Storm Nate is forecasted to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across a wide area of Central America. The storm's center is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea, reaching the eastern coast of Mexico before moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA finds heavy rainfall in developing Tropical Storm Nate

Heavy rainfall is expected to occur over a wide area, including locations well away from the center, along the Pacific coast of Central America. The tropical cyclone is forecast to strengthen as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening coastal areas from Louisiana through the Florida panhandle.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2017

12,000 years ago, Florida hurricanes heated up despite chilly seas

Researchers found that hurricane-suppressing effects of cooler sea surface temperatures were outweighed by the side effects of slowed ocean circulation in Florida during the Younger Dryas period. Turbidites captured the fury of Florida's stormy days, revealing a surprising level of hurricane activity despite chilly seas.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 5, 2017

NASA sees a weaker Hurricane Lee headed to the UK

Hurricane Lee is weakening due to wind shear, with forecasters predicting gusty winds in Ireland and the UK over Sept. 30-Oct. 1. NASA satellite imagery shows the storm's disorganization, with wind shear pushing clouds to the south and southeast of the eye.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 2017

NASA finds Hurricane Lee's strength shift

NASA's Aqua satellite detects coldest cloud top temperatures in thunderstorms south of Hurricane Lee's center, indicating a strong storm with the capability to produce heavy rainfall. The hurricane is expected to continue weakening due to increasing wind shear and cooler waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 28, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

NASA sees Maria weaken to a Tropical Storm

Tropical Storm Maria weakened to a tropical storm on Sept. 28, with NASA monitoring its trajectory. The storm showed signs of strength in infrared light, but its cloud top temperatures indicated a capacity for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 28, 2017

NASA satellites peer into a lop-sided Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria appears asymmetric due to vertical wind shear, with eastern clouds receiving more precipitation than the western side. GPM radar data shows light rain showers around the eye, but stronger storms are located northeast of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 27, 2017

NASA satellite data shows Hurricane Maria's strongest side

NASA's Aqua satellite provided infrared data on Hurricane Maria, revealing the coldest cloud tops and strongest storms were located in the eastern quadrant, which could produce heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to weaken due to cooler sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 26, 2017

NASA satellite temperatures reveal a stronger Hurricane Lee

A NASA satellite detected a strengthening Hurricane Lee, with colder cloud top temperatures indicating stronger storms. The storm's eye cleared out and warmed, while the eyewall cloud tops cooled to -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 26, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Satellite shows Pilar reduced to remnants

Tropical Depression Pilar weakened to a remnant low pressure area, with disorganized clouds and weak convection south of Baja California. The National Hurricane Center forecasted scattered showers and thunderstorms in the region, yielding heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 26, 2017

Psychological impacts of natural disasters on youth

A new criterion for studying post-traumatic stress disorder in children has been developed, identifying those who need support services after a disaster. The study found that two-thirds of distressed children recover naturally over time, with factors such as social support and coping skills playing a key role.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology·DateSep 25, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP Satellite gets two looks at Hurricane Maria

The Suomi NPP satellite analyzed Hurricane Maria in visible and infrared light, revealing intense rainfall bands with rates of over 6.57 inches per hour. The satellite's data helped forecasters predict storm track and strengthen, with Maria expected to become a tropical storm by Tuesday night.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 25, 2017

NASA infrared data targets Maria's strongest side

The MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite found cloud top temperatures of strong thunderstorms in Maria's quadrant as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates that Maria has the capability to create heavy rain, posing a threat to coastal areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.