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Green Flash
Thu Jun 03, 2004
Listen in RealAudio 
Hi, I’m Bryan Yeaton, and this is The Weather Notebook. Over the next couple of days,
we have the answers to our past two Brainstorms—one about the temperature of ice,
and one about a strange weather event changed the life of one Edwin Robinson. But
before we do that, we have a new question for you.
For many years, mariners had noticed a strange and eerie light, which they called the
Green Flash. Also for many years, scientists scoffed at these sailors, and told them
that this vision was the result of too many days at sea, or too much grog. They thought
the Green Flash and mermaids sprang from the same delusional minds. But with the
advent of photography—especially color photography—these naysayers had to eat
albatross, as pictures proved that the Green Flash did indeed exist.
So what we want to know, of course, is: just what is this Green Flash thing, and what
atmospheric conditions do you need to see it?
To answer our Brainstorm, simply give us a call at (888) RAIN-001, or for the
numerically inclined: (888)724-6001. You can also try the e-mail route, at
questions@weathernotebook.org. If we should happen to like your answer so much
that we pass it around the office in awe, and later use it in next month’s show where
we answer the question, we will send you some cool Weather Notebook Bling-Bling,
which is the new, hip term for "stuff."
Again, the question: what is the Green Flash, and how does it happen? Give us a call
at (888) RAIN-001. We promise not to keel-haul anyone for a wrong answer. Good luck,
matey.
The Weather Notebook is produced at The Mount Washington Observatory, where we
can actually see the ocean on a clear day. Funding is provided by Subaru and the
National Science Foundation.
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