Andrew's Fun Facts
It was in August of 1960 when Sputnik 5 was launched. It carried into orbit 2 dogs, 40 mice, 2 rats and several different kinds of plants. It returned to earth a day later making its “crew” of plants and animals the first living organisms to return to earth after being in space. Several years earlier Sputnik 2 was launched and it carried a Siberian husky named Laika into space. Laika was the first animal ever in space. Unfortunately Laika did not survive the trip and actually never had a chance because the Soviets never indented to bring Sputnik 2 back to earth.
It hasn’t been very hot this year in our area, at least not yet. Sometimes in the summer you will hear meteorologists talk about the heat index. But what does the heat index mean? The heat index measures how hot it “feels” outside, very similar to the wind chill in the winter. The heat index is calculated by using the actual air temperature and relative humidity. Relative humidity is a measure of how much moisture is in the air and is determined with the dew point. When dew point values are in the 60s and 70s it can feel very oppressive. When Heat Index values are high it is important to drink plenty of water and stay inside during the hottest part of the day, the mid afternoon hours.
This is a phenomenon that allows someone to see an object even though it is below the horizon line. A Superior Mirage occurs when a temperature inversion refracts light. This can typically occur over the ocean or a large lake. For example, air is cooler just over Lake Michigan because of the cooler water. Air just above that will be warmer; this is what we call a temperature inversion. Light from buildings can be refracted because of a temperature inversion. This means that buildings will appear above the horizon. This makes it possible to see the skyscrapers of Chicago from St. Joseph, Michigan.
It was on this day, May 24, 1883 that the Brooklyn Bridge was completed. This year marks the 126th anniversary of the opening of the bridge. Construction of the bridge began on January 3, 1870. The bridge spans the East River and connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. At the time it was built the total cost was $15.5 million. When it opened, the bridge was the largest in the world. The bridge covers nearly 6,000 feet and is still considered to be an amazing feat of engineering even to this day. The bridge was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Weather Almanac Data
Weather LinksContact Us
|
WSBT WeatherWSBT Weather
Stock QuotesYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule
7.00
Paid Programming
7.30
Jeopardy
8.00
The Mentalist
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: NY
12.35
CSI: NY
1.35
CSI: Miami
Question of The DayMost Popular
|
Sat, Nov 21
South Bend
Hey weather fans and science buffs! Do you like interesting science and weather facts? This is the place to find them! Check back every week for new info and cool facts. You can also check out the South Bend Tribune's weather section on Saturday and Sunday for my science facts too! If you have any weather/science questions you want answered send me an email at 
