When it comes to the weather, who knows best? (hint: not the furry guy)
Sure, it’s fun to think that Punxsutawney Phil can tell us whether there will be six more weeks of winter weather or an “early spring.” But when it comes to predicting the weather for humans, a shadow doesn’t even factor into it.
Check out some of the tools and techniques used by meteorologists then explore legendary predictions based on nature’s weather forecasters at a program hosted by Astro-nat Chris Mentrek. Weatherwise: Groundhog vs. Science is coming Saturday, February 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center, 10610 Clay Street in Montville Township.
“They might not be the world’s greatest weather forecasters,” Chris said of the groundhog, “but they’re still pretty amazing creatures. Since we’ll be trying to figure out how this holiday works, we’ll be asking the questions: Why the groundhog? Why not, say, a bear or a vulture? And why February? Perplexing.”
To help answer them, participants will dig into the science of groundhog-ology. “We’ll get to examine a taxidermied groundhog and visit the burrow of Observatory Park’s resident groundhog to get to the bottom of this,” Chris said.
Folks will also learn the skills they need to set up their own weather observing station and to access Observatory Park’s online weather records. A groundhog-style treat will wind up the visit.
“Like we always say,” Chris added, “whether you hibernate, aestivate, or stay zippy year-round, you can always learn something from the hogs of the ground!”
This all-ages program will be partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Call 440-286-9516 with questions.
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