The Weather Notebook: Brainstorm: Ben Franklin

Brainstorm: Ben Franklin
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Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents: he helped found a new country, he published an almanac, he could fly kites in thunderstorms. Well, another documented action of his, is the subject of today's Weather Notebook. We'll describe his particular behavior, and you can write, call or email us with your guess about what he was doing, for today's brainstorm. I'm Dave Thurlow for the Weather Notebook.

In 1775, Franklin was riding through the Maryland countryside with his son, and several other guys with funny hats. They crested a small hill and observed something Franklin described as a conical, sugar-loaf shape, its smaller part near the ground but widening upwards. He estimated it to measure 40 to 50 feet high and 20 to 30 feet in diameter.

As it passed, Franklin quickly gave chase for a closer look. He tried without effect to break it by striking it with his whip. Soon, it took to the woods, growing larger and stronger. Its forward motion kept neither a straight path nor uniform motion, but made little zigzags as it went along in a cloud of leaves and dust.

Being a weather buff Franklin was thrilled to see his first.... Well you tell us. What was it? Call us at 1- 888-RAIN-001 or email to brainstorms@mountwashington.org with your answer.

By the way, producer Bryan Sejvar, after three years with us is moving on. It is very difficult to describe the work that goes into producing this seemingly simple show, and it's almost impossible to imagine working on it without Bryan's guidance. So Bryan, for Sean, Jay, Bob, Peter, Doug, Susan, Karen, myself and dozens of others -- thanks, good luck, and we'll catch ya later. The Weather Notebook is a production of the Mount Washington Observatory.