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Mount Washington Observatory

Citizen Science Puts Weather Reporting in Your Hands

A distant shower falls over Mount Martha, NH (aka, Cherry Mountain). 
If you’re anything like me, you probably have an app or two dedicated to weather on your phone. Maybe you have a preferred app for weather forecasts, another for radar data, and yet another for satellite data. Or maybe instead of apps, you have several go-to websites bookmarked for various weather data.
Weather information keeps us informed so that we can prepare appropriately for the weather ahead, short-term or long-term. With colder weather in the forecast, we might pack a few extra layers or pull in a few more logs for the stove. Or, we might receive a warning about a severe storm heading your direction, and so we pack up, head indoors, and keep an eye on its progress.
While your favorite apps or websites might be providing you with weather data, did you know there are a few apps/sites that you can utilize and provide current weather data to aid in research as a citizen scientist?
Here are some apps that I have on my phone and might be of interest to you:
Mountain Rain or Snow
Remote sensing is improving and aiding in filling weather data gaps. However, precipitation phase changes can be difficult over mountainous terrain, and weather stations only provide information at a static location. That is where human observations aid in detailing how precipitation phase changes vary in time and space. Using these apps, with a few taps you can send observations of precipitation during storms at your location.
Forecasting
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory is collecting weather reports through the free app mPING. What’s “mPING?” It is an acronym for Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground. The data in turn help define the precipitation that is falling at your location and improve forecasts and radar techniques. That in turn filters down to improve those various other weather apps you might be using for forecasts and radar data.
Cloud Types and Sky Conditions 
GLOBE Observer Clouds can be used to observe clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees. With the cloud observation aspect, you can help document cloud cover, cloud types, cloud opacity, sky conditions, visibilities, and surface conditions along with photographic examples. It is a bit more involved than the prior reporting apps, but with a few taps and snaps, you can contribute your real-world observations for better understanding and interpretation of satellite data vs surface data.

Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer & Meteorologist

902, 2012

Battle of the Shifts

February 9th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Battle of the Shifts 2012-02-09 19:33:07.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL Competition is everywhere, even on New England's highest peak.We're occasionally highlighting the competition between good weather/bad weather shift, cold weather shift vs. warm weather shift, etc., in our web comments. Both shifts consistently compete for

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802, 2012

Germans Playing in the Wind

February 8th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Germans Playing in the Wind 2012-02-08 09:22:21.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Operations Assistant NULL Today is Wednesday and as always shift change day. Normally there is a full change of the shift and the people who have been here, however today will be a little different. Our shift

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602, 2012

Germans on the Summit

February 6th, 2012|Categories: Historical Posts|

Germans on the Summit 2012-02-06 19:47:20.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Operations Assistant NULL This week it has been quite busy on the summit. We had an EduTrip up with us on Friday and Saturdayand although the weather was not the best for photography it did clear for their

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Farewell my Friends

October 17th, 2011|Comments Off on Farewell my Friends

Farewell my Friends 2011-10-17 22:26:31.000 - Erin Diveny,  Summit Museum Supervisor As the winter weather is starting to set in, that means another last comment. The Sherman's Adams building will be closing to the public

A Season of Contrasts; So Know Before You Go!

October 16th, 2011|Comments Off on A Season of Contrasts; So Know Before You Go!

A Season of Contrasts; So Know Before You Go! 2011-10-16 18:58:15.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Some unexpected clearing this afternoon! Contrast: to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures,

Measuring the Speed of the Wind

October 15th, 2011|Comments Off on Measuring the Speed of the Wind

Measuring the Speed of the Wind 2011-10-15 17:50:08.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist Number 2 Heated Anemometer - Any instrument for measuring and indicating the force or speed of the wind. From the Greek

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Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our weather station is located  on the summit of Mount Washington  in New Hampshire, at Mount Washington State Park.

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