24 July 2012
Posted in Crosby Observatory

A new planet has been discovered recently by researchers at the University of Central Florida.

The planet, named UCF-1.01, is 33 light-years away in the constellation Leo the Lion. While scientists have been able to confirm that more than 700 exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) have been found since 1995, many of them have been much larger than Jupiter. This new planet, however, may only be 5,200 miles across – about two thirds the size of Earth.

The planet currently orbits a star called GJ 436, and researchers at UCF have spent the last year watching it to confirm that it was indeed a distant planet. UCF-1.01 is not quite a hospitable planet for humans, as researchers calculate that it whisks around its host star in 1.4 Earth days and at a distance of about 1.6 million miles; Earth is about 93 million miles from our sun. Temperatures more than likely exceed 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit which raises the probability that the surface of UCF-1.01 is molten (covered in lava) and any atmosphere would have been boiled away long ago.

Still, there are many things scientists don’t know about UCF-1.01 such as its mass and physical appearance, which are difficult to calculate due to its distance. As it stands, technology is a long ways away from determining the answers to these questions, so it may be "light-years" before we know more about this astonishing discovery.

19 July 2012
Posted in Science On A Sphere

Chris Kridler is an award-winning journalist and photographer as well as a 16 year storm chaser, having pursued storms in Tornado Alley and Florida. On Saturday, July 21, she will describe what storm chasing is really like through videos and photos. Utilizing the Science On A Sphere station, she'll also talk about the extremes and dangers of Florida weather.

Chris took some time to speak with us about her storm chasing experience.

How did you become interested in storm chasing?

I’ve always been fascinating by tornados even from a young age. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I remember seeing quite a few tornados and hiding out in the basement. And perhaps seeing The Wizard of Oz one too many times sparked my interest as well.

What’s the most amazing or terrifying weather related experience you’ve had?

On May 12, 2004, I was chasing storms with a group of friends when, about a half mile away, a tornado began tearing the roof off of someone’s home. As a storm chaser, destruction is something you never want to see. Luckily though, the family was safe. That tornado was one of about three we saw that day. Though our close proximity was not intentional, the sight of both the tornados being so close and their destruction was pretty terrifying.

What have you learned the most from chasing storms?

I’ve learned a lot about how the atmosphere works, how tornados form. Every storm is a new lesson for me. It’s also given me the adventure and opportunity of seeing America in my travels.

What excites you the most when chasing?

It’s an incredible visual experience to watch a storm develop into different shapes, sizes and colors. As a photographer, I am always amazed by the different spectrum of light and ever changing forms these buildings in the sky can take.

Do you have any advice for future storm chasers out there?

Absolutely! First of all, it’s not all excitement and tornados all the time. There’s quite a substantial amount of driving around involved and not every day is going to be a rollercoaster of excitement and tornados. Secondly, be safe and learn about the weather and storms. You need to have a good understanding of how these storms work.

18 July 2012
Posted in NatureWorks

Until recently, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake used to be one of the most common snakes that could be found in the Central Florida area just hanging out in your backyard or residing near a body of water. The diamondback populates the woodlands and costal habitats from southern North Carolina to Florida; however, their presence continues to diminish as time goes on.  Due to indiscriminate killing, hunting and widespread loss of habitat, the number of diamondbacks has been steadily declining.

The eastern diamondback is not endangered, however. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced earlier this summer a 90-day finding for a petition to list the eastern diamondback rattlesnake as a threatened species. The organization is currently researching and reviewing the status of the species to determine if the threatened species classification is warranted under the Endangered Species Act.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has taken action by reaching out to state and federal natural resource agencies for information regarding the eastern diamondback and its habitat.  A number of different parties have come together to help address this issue, as one of Florida’s well-known habitants slowly disappears.   Once the review is complete, the listing of the eastern diamondback as an endangered species will either be: warranted; warranted, but precluded by other higher priority activities; or not warranted at all.

13 July 2012
Posted in Summer Camps

Mmmmmm…! Our summer campers cooked up a storm this week, even taking a field trip to learn from the pros at Stonewood Grill & Tavern!

Fifth and sixth graders participating in the Culinary Chemistry summer camp saw them experiment with ingredients to make baked goods rise as well as turn liquid egg yolk into solid food.

Thanks to our friends at Stonewood Grill & Tavern for having us! If you would like to enroll your child in summer camp call 407.514.2112.

12 July 2012
Posted in WFTV Severe Weather Center 9

While Florida is no stranger to scorching summer heat, heat waves can be extremely dangerous to humans, animals and even plants. We thought we’d share with you some awareness information so that you can be better prepared should a heat wave occur.

What is a Heat Wave?

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity, with very little air movement to help cool things down.

Why are Heat Waves Dangerous?

During heat waves, the human body is pushed beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in excessive heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

By being conscious of the signs, you can recognize heat-related illness before it gets serious.

Heat Cramps

Muscle pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion, which triggers loss of water through heavy perspiration. These usually involve the muscles of the abdomen or legs. Heat cramps are usually an early sign that the body is having trouble with heat.

Heat Exhaustion

Typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous physical activity or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.

Heat Stroke (also known as Sunstroke)

A life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

09 July 2012
Posted in DinoDigs

In 2002, paleontologists found the second-oldest mammal skull just outside of a rural village in northern Argentina. At the time, the skull was mostly hidden in rock and its identity remained a mystery. In 2005, scientists sent the skull to a technician who, until recently, has been removing the rock from around the fossil – finally revealing a saber-toothed, squirrel-like creature with a striking similarity to the Ice Age character Scrat. The new species, named Cronopio dentiacutus for its narrow snout and long fangs, was about 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 centimeters) long and likely used its pointy teeth to hunt and eat insects.

Both mammals and dinosaurs appeared near the end of the Triassic period, some 220 million years ago. When dinosaurs disappeared about 65 million years ago, mammals thrived. But ancient mammal fossils are still exceedingly rare, mostly because of their small sizes. As a result, paleontologists know of roughly one genus of mammal for every million years between 65 million and 220 million years ago—making for a woefully incomplete record.