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.
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 »
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? See more »
Barometers are used to predict the weather. What exactly does it mean when the weatherman says the barometer is rising or falling? See more »
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 »
What is the "heat index" that the weatherperson talks about during the summer? Also, why is the air comfortable at only 80 degrees F even though body temperature is 98 degrees F? See more »
Every night on the news, the weatherperson reports the UV index. What is the UV index and how is it calculated? See more »
If you've ever spied a night sky splashed with vivid billows of color, either you have access to interesting drugs or you've seen an aurora firsthand. If it's the latter, your sky-gazing probably took place during spring or autumn. How come? See more »
We can put a person on the moon. We can zip particles around accelerators at insanely high speeds. But nope, we cannot tell you for sure whether you'll need that animal print umbrella tomorrow. Why not? See more »
I've noticed signs on the highway that warn "Bridge Ices Before Road." What causes bridges to ice before the rest of the highway? See more »
Salt is often sprinkled on the roads in the winter to melt the ice. Have you ever wondered why salt is used? See more »
