News

July 14, 2010

WHY IS IT SO HOT?

On January 2nd, we were physically closest to the Sun, at perihelion. The difference between the closest and farthest points is equal to 3,105,866 miles, which sounds like a lot, but amount to an overall change of only 3.3 percent. The reason for the temperature difference lies in the tilt of the axis of the Earth, not the proximity of the Sun. In the summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tipped toward the Sun so its light falls more directly. This, along with the fact that the Sun shines for a longer time each day, makes summer a warmer season than winter. July 3rd – August 11th marks the “dog days” but few know what this expression even means. Some say the hot days are not fit for a dog. But the dog days are defined as the period when the Dog Star, Sirius, rises in conjunction, or nearly so with the Sun. As a result, some people felt this could be the reason for the extreme heat. Other effects, according to the ancients, were droughts, plagues, and madness. We know today, that Sirius has nothing to do with hot temperatures, but the term “Dog Days” just stuck. It is hot in Kansas City this week. Please make sure you look in on elderly neighbors and keep your pets indoors.

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