Featured Article: What is St. Elmo's Fire?
Sometimes a lightning storm like this one heralds sightings of St. Elmo's Fire. What causes the mysterious glow sailors interpreted as a sign of salvation? See more »
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The atmosphere is the key to life on Earth. This thin layer is what protects us from the hostile environment of space. Here you can learn all about the atmospheric sciences.
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Articles 1-20 of 22
Does ball lightning really exist?
Ball lightning can float through the air, pass through walls and even kill you. What could it be, and why are scientists finally accepting this strange meteorological phenomenon?
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How Acid Rain Works
Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants, cars and factories. Find out how acid rain is produced, how it affects natural and man-made objects and how governments aim to reduce it.
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How Auroras Work
Auroras are stunning natural light shows that are visible only in certain parts of the world at certain times of the year. Where can you go to see one?
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How does the aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) work?
How does the aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) work? What causes it? Why can you only see it in the North? Are the myths about it producing sound true?
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How Weather Works
You might think of weather as something that happens around your life. It could prevent you from taking a bike ride or inspire you grab an umbrella on your way out. But there's more to weather than its ability to thwart the best-laid plans.
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If the temperature is 30 degrees F, why do we sometimes get snow and other times get freezing rain?
Precipitation can vary from rain to snow when the temperature is below freezing. Why does precipitation not always fall as snow when it's below freezing?
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What does it mean when a barometer is rising or falling?
Barometers are used to predict the weather. What exactly does it mean when the weatherman says the barometer is rising or falling?
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What is St. Elmo's Fire?
Sometimes a lightning storm like this one heralds sightings of St. Elmo's Fire. What causes the mysterious glow sailors interpreted as a sign of salvation?
See more »
Why do bridges ice before the rest of the highway?
I've noticed signs on the highway that warn "Bridge Ices Before Road." What causes bridges to ice before the rest of the highway?
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Why do they use salt to melt ice on the road in the winter?
Salt is often sprinkled on the roads in the winter to melt the ice. Have you ever wondered why salt is used?
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Why is it colder at the top of a mountain than it is at sea level?
Why is it colder at the top of a mountain than it is at sea level? Heat rises, and the top of a mountain is closer to the sun -- shouldn't it be hotter at the top of a mountain?
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Why is snow white?
Why is snow white? It's frozen water, and water isn't white, it's clear.
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Why is the sky blue?
We've all seen the sky take on many different shades of colors. Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue and why blue is the most common color?
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Will the U.S. be a desert in 50 years?
When climate variations mix with unsustainable agriculture and urbanization, vast swaths of once-fertile lands transform into deserts. Is the U.S. in danger of becoming a dried-up wasteland?
See more »How does the windchill factor work?
What is "wind chill"? Does it have any effect on inanimate objects?
See more »How far does ultraviolet light penetrate into the body?
Ultraviolet light waves can cause damage to our skin if we are exposed for an extended period of time. How does ultraviolet light waves affect our skin, and how far does it penetrate human skin when it is exposed? Find out in this article from HowStuffWorks.
See more »What causes a rainbow?
We can usually see rainbows right after a rainstorm on a warm Spring day. These giant colorful arcs stand out against the dark rain clouds. Have you ever wondered what causes this phenomena? Find out how rainbows are created in this article from HowStuffWorks.
See more »Why does the sky get dark at night?
Why does the sky get dark at night? Don't tell me it's just because the Earth rotates and the sun sets -- what I mean is, with all of its stars and other luminous bodies, why isn't the universe infinitely bright?
See more »What causes the seasons?
What causes the seasons? Why are the seasons reversed in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres? And if the Earth moves in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, why don't we have two summers and two winters every year?
See more »What causes the smell after rain?
I've noticed a lot of times, especially in the spring and summer, that there is a strong, funny smell after it rains. Sometimes it is a good smell, and sometimes it is unpleasant. What causes this smell?
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Articles 1-20 of 22
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