Now that the rainy season is in full swing, sudden power outages are possible amidst raging storms. Though we all should have our supply of flashlights, candles, matches and other emergency items, there is still a chance that a power outage can catch us unprepared. If this happens, here are some hacks that will save you from the darkness.
Crayon candles
No candles? No problem. Try rooting around the house for some crayons.
Courtesy: www.kidsdiscover.com
Light the tip of the crayon with a match or a lighter. Don’t remove the paper because this will serve as the wick.
When the tip of the crayon is partially melted, slightly melt its bottom and allow it to stand in a glass jar or something that will keep it from making contact with flammable things.
One crayon can last for 10 to 15 minutes. Crayons are made primarily from paraffin wax that allows it to burn slowly like a candle. If you want to make the light more luminous, bunch 2 or more crayons and tie it up with a string. A note of warning though: this emergency candle may cause an unpleasant smell and a lot of smoke because of the burning wax and paper.
Orange peel candle
If you don’t have a crayon, but do have an orange and some cooking oil, you can also make your own candle.
Cut the orange in half and gently separate the fruit from the peel, leaving the peel and the wick (the center part of the stem) intact.
Courtesy: http://www.deliacreates.com/orange-candles/
Pour the cooking oil, making sure to fill the peel just below the wick because if you fully douse it, it won’t light. Use a lighter or match to light up the wick. Observe the cooking oil consumption, refill while there is a flame.
The cooking oil will serve as your fuel and the orange as your wick.
This orange may last up to 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the size of the wick (the longer the better) and the type of the orange (I recommend Sagada oranges because it has a longer wick)
If you don’t have an orange, you can also use butter. Just cut a stick of butter into half, tear a square of toilet paper and roll it until it becomes a wick. Put a hole in the butter using a toothpick or screwdriver, insert the toilet paper and light it up with match or lighter.
Courtesy: www.mnn.com
So the next time you find yourself in the darkness without candles, remember that you can make your own! Stay safe this rainy season!
Sources:
www.deliacreates.com/orange-candles/
https://youtu.be/Ge1O9rH__5Y
— By Sean Kyle Tongko
PanahonTV Intern from Bulacan State University
What is the origin of the universe? This was the question that piqued my curiosity and inspired me to study the immensity of space and time. This inquisitiveness fueled my passion for the universe and the unlimited dimensions it held. Everything about it fascinated me: how it worked, how it grew, and many more. I fell in love with the idea of endless discovery.
When I was in grade school, I attended an event entitled “Astro Camp”, where I was given a chance to peek into a telescope for the first time. This was how my love for astronomy began.
When I was in my last year in high school, when my batchmates were critically eyeing the courses they wanted to pursue, I was already certain that I should follow my second love, education. Because of monetary problems, I was willing to relegate my love for astronomy to the backseat. Since it’s not a typical field of study here in the Philippines, limited jobs are offered after graduation.
I tried to submit an application for my college admission at the Philippine Normal University to study education. Unfortunately, when I arrived there, I found out they no longer accept applicants. Then I went to the Rizal Technological University (RTU) – the only institute that offered BS Astronomy at that time – to pursue what I really wanted. Despite having limited cash for my daily trips, I strived to reach my goal. After a month of battling with life’s uncertainties, I finally got in.
I believed that the risk I took was a blessing in disguise. In my early college years, I joined different events which allowed me to expose my talents and abilities. I grew as a person and developed my innate proficiencies such as leadership and confidence. Learning astronomy is not easy unless you have the desire to study it. I firmly believe that whatever course you choose, as long as you really love what you are doing, everything else will fall into place.
BS Astronomy is not just about fascination with the cosmos, it also has its practical use. In our earlier years in this program, we studied the subject, “Solar System,” where comparative planetology was discussed. We analyzed the weather systems in different planets and their capabilities to host life. Detections of exoplanets – planets outside the solar system – was also discussed. Scientists nowadays are keen to find out other places in the universe where life can possibly thrive. Astronomers are also finding ways to prolong the existence of life on Earth. Hence, we have a meteorology subject that deals with the study of the planet’s weather systems, including climate change and disaster awareness.
As the country’s pioneering institute that offered a degree in Astronomy, RTU had only three graduates in its first batch. The University’s department of Earth and Space Sciences (DESS) was established by Dr. Jesus Rodrigo F. Torres, the Vice President for Academic Affairs at that time. Together with recognized physicists, chemists and other scientists passionate about astronomy, they formally introduced the BS Astronomy Technology to the RTU community in 2007. Two years later the RTU-DESS has its very own student organization, the RTU-Astronomy Society, dedicated to spread the idea and exquisiteness of space. The RTU-DESS used to send students to different international activities and seminars annually. Its members also organized outreach programs that aim to disseminate facts and information about astronomy to the public.
Last school year, in 2015, the New Era University (NEU), located in Quezon City, also introduced astronomy to their academe. NEU experienced the same struggle RTU encountered: due to the small amount of people who knew about astronomy, there were only few students who enrolled in their program. In spite of this, I remain hopeful that in the near future, astronomy will be a well-known course in the Philippines, and that more young people will be captivated by the mysteries it offers.
When I graduate next year, in 2017, I want to pursue my studies in astronomy by obtaining a scholarship in a master’s degree program. I would like to see myself in my late 20’s as a doctor of philosophy in the field of astronomy, and to be an educator in the different universities here in the Philippines. This way I will finally able to meld my two loves: astronomy and education.
It is true what they say about learning, that it never ends. I still may not know how the universe began, but the process of exploring the answers is one that I will never tire of.
–Jeroh P. Hiyastro
5th year student, BS Astronomy Technology, RTU
“I really love the mysteries that the universe holds and I also enjoy sharing them to other people.”
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or not, today’s rare events are sure to tickle your fancy!
Summer Solstice
Summer solstice, also known as June solstice, happens when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most inclined towards the sun. This astronomical event marks the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, indicating the longest daytime due to a lengthened exposure to direct sunlight. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong , those in the Northern Hemisphere may experience “almost 17 hours of daytime.”
Quitlong explained that solstices happen twice a year – the summer solstice in June and the winter solstice every December. The word solstice is derived from the Latin word “solstitium” meaning “sun standing still.”
Strawberry Moon
Don’t miss the full moon tonight! Since 1967, this is the first time that the fully illuminated moon coincided with the summer solstice.
Despite its name, the moon will not turn pink tonight. The strawberry moon was named such by North America’s Algoquin Tribe because for them, June’s full moon signaled the start of strawberry-picking season. A strawberry moon glows a strange amber color. In some places like Europe, it is referred to as the rose moon or honey moon.
One would not want to miss this rare event as this will not happen again until 2062. Take this opportunity to gaze at the sky tonight and enjoy the view of this uncommon lunar sighting!
Solstice and the Stonehenge
A popular place during the summer solstice is the Stonehenge where Pagans celebrate the longest day of the year. The view is especially spectacular as the sun reaches the middle of the stones.
Built between 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge is a big stone monument located in a plain of Salisbury, England. It is believed that the Stonehenge was aligned carefully for a person to have a clear view of the summer solstice rising in the horizon.
The real reason behind the creation of this landscape remains a mystery, but what is certain is that over the year, it has been part of celebrations during the summer solstice. In 2014, almost 40,000 participated and visited the Stonehenge during the said occasion.
Sources:
PAGASA-DOST
www.stonehenge.co.uk
http://www.papermag.com/
http://www.independent.co.uk/
http://earthsky.org/
In line with Tropical Cyclone Week, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) conducted a La Niña Forum last June 15, 2016. This year’s theme, Tag- baha at Tag-bagyo, Handa na Tayo!, aims to prepare the public for the impacts of the increasing probability of La Niña.
La Niña is defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a phenomenon characterized by the unusually low sea surface temperatures or cooling of the ocean in the Equatorial Pacific. As the opposite of El Niño, La Niña will bring more rains, and moderate to strong tropical cyclone activities.
According to the Chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS), Mr. Anthony Lucero, El Niño is still in its decaying stage. It continues to weaken and is more likely to return to neutral condition by the end of June or July.
Though El Niño is currently weakening, Lucero explained that most parts of the country may still feel its impact. Many provinces may still experience below-normal rainfall until next month.
Majority of climate models show a possible development of La Niña during the second half of 2016. Despite this forecast, Lucero said there will be less tropical cyclones this year. “Talagang magkukulang tayo ng bagyo ngayon… pero nangyari na ito noon, walang unusual o abnormal dito.” (We will experience less tropical cyclones, but this has already happened before. Nothing unusual or abnormal about it.)
Annually, the average number of tropical cyclones that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is 19 to 21. We’ve already covered half of 2016, yet there is still no sign of a tropical cyclone. According to PAGASA, 8 to 14 tropical cyclones are expected to enter or develop within the boundary from June to November, and possibly a maximum of 16 until December.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, he explained that after a strong El Niño episode, our country is likely to experience less number of tropical cyclones. This happened in 1972-1973, wherein we had only 12 tropical cyclones, and 11 tropical cyclones in 1997-1998.
New PAGASA Services
In preparation for the flood and cyclone season, PAGASA continues to upgrade their services. A book entitled, “Patnubay sa Weder Forkasting” was launched this week. This aims not only to simplify technical terms, but also to familiarize everyone with weather terms in other local languages, such as Ilokano and Bikolano.
The creation of the book was headed by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, in close coordination with the weather bureau. Being the first-ever Filipino weather dictionary, it serves as a response to President Noynoy Aquino’s appeal for a more understandable and simplified way of crafting weather forecasts.
Here are some of the commonly used words included in the dictionary:
PAGASA also introduced an updated version of their mobile application, which includes weather information and flood alerts.
This app is a product of the collaboration between PAGASA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Now available for android phones, it can be downloaded through Google Play.
Meanwhile, reading materials, which include information about La Niña, Rainfall Warning System and the Tropical Cyclone Warning System (formerly known as Public Storm Warning Signal), were also launched at the forum. This is part of the Be Sure Project which was successfully made through the help of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The online community is abuzz after a Miss Earth Philippines contestant shared her insights in the Q & A portion of the beauty pageant.
During the coronation night last June 11, candidates were each given 30 seconds to elaborate on trending topics they had picked from a basket.
Miss Zamboanga, Bellatrix Tran, drew #ElNiñoLaNiña, two weather-related events that are serious global threats.
This was Tan’s answer: “El Niño is what we are facing right now. If we do simple things like planting trees, then we will not experience drought. So if we start now, we will achieve La Niña.” Unfortunately, her last line elicited laughter from the audience and judges.
https://twitter.com/krizzy_kalerqui/status/741797696269225985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
What should have been her answer:
Everyone should read up on El Niño, a climatic condition wherein an unusual increase in sea surface temperature or warming of the ocean is observed. It mostly affects the agricultural sector due to its effects of reduced rainfall and warmer weather.
In the Philippines, PAGASA confirmed the start of the El Niño phenomenon last May 2015. To date, El Niño is at its decaying stage but has left damages worth P7 billion based on the records of the Department of Agriculture from January to May 2016.
Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines La Niña as a phenomenon characterized by unusually low sea surface temperatures or the cooling of the ocean in the Equatorial Pacific. Its effects may include moderate to strong monsoon activity, moderate to strong tropical cyclones, above-normal rains or above -normal temperatures. A La Niña episode does not always follow an El Niño, but it may happen especially if the latter is a strong one.
As of posting, there is no confirmed occurrence of La Niña, but there is a 50% chance that it will develop in the coming months, according to PAGASA.
Miss Philippines Earth aims to showcase not just nature’s beauty, but to also raise awareness on social concerns and environmental issues, including weather phenomena.
So remember that whether you’re planning to join a beauty contest or not, remember that it pays to be equipped with knowledge on social issues, especially those that are directly affecting our country.
Satellite images, instruments, applications, and forecasters – these are our modern sources of weather and climate information. But did you know that animals are also capable of telling us what kind of weather is coming our way?
Compared to humans, some animals have special capabilities and more developed senses of smell and hearing. Recently, a study called Biophony has been examining sounds in a habitat at a certain time to analyze animal behavior before storms.
According to Dr. Simon Robson from the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at the James Cook University-Australia, some animals have the ability to forecast the weather through their behavior. Get to know some of weather’s wonder animals!
Cows
According to farmers, cows have the ability to forecast the weather. When cows become restless and lie down in the field to claim dry spots, it means they sense bad weather.
Scientists at the Universities of Arizona and Northern Missouri conducted a study about the behavior of cows in connection to the weather. It showed that cows lie down when it is about to get cold, and stand for long hours when it is about to get hot.
Ants
When bad weather enters, ants, particularly the red and black, build up their mounds as extra protection for their holes. A higher mound may be a sign of incoming rains or thunderstorms.
Ants tend to scatter during good weather and travel in straight lines when rain is brewing. They close their holes before the rain, and open them in in fair or dry weather. Ants may even become more aggressive and destructive in a drought condition.
Bees and butterflies
When bees and butterflies disappear from the flowerbeds, heavy rains are expected in the next hours. Butterflies and bees are referred to as indicator species.
Their short lifespans are also observed to study the effects of climate change.
Birds
A lot of legends have come out about the ability of birds to predict storms or other natural disasters. Scientists believe birds can hear infrasound, a type of low frequency noise produced by storms, which humans are not capable of hearing.
Most birds also have special middle-ear receptors called the Vitali organ that can sense small changes in air pressure. Birds that fly high in the sky signify good weather, but if they fly low, a thunderstorm or bad weather is approaching.
Some believe that birds fly lower before the rain because they try to get closer to the insects, which also fly lower to the ground before the showers. But others say that flying closer to the ground protects birds from the air pressure of a storm at higher altitudes.
Other beliefs: if a rooster crows before sleeping, there is a chance of rain. Chickens that group together while scratching for food also indicate bad weather. When owls cry strangely in the night, good weather will probably be experienced the following day. Meanwhile, ducks behaving unusually could mean bad weather is approaching.
Frog
The frogs are believed to croak or sing longer and louder than the usual when bad weather is on the way. If the volume increases, rains or gusty winds may affect the area.
Spiders
Spiders building their webs are believed to signify good weather conditions. If you see their webs scattered in the air, it could mean a dry spell. Spiders tend to be active and leave their webs before the rain pours. If there’s an incoming storm, spiders strengthen their webs.
Though there is no enough scientific proof, some of these animals may have helped in weather forecasting during the ancient times.
But in this day and age, it is always best to monitor the weather, not necessarily through animal behavior, but through meteorological agencies for more accurate and reliable information.
Sources:
http://www.nc-mag.com/
http://www.skymetweather.com/
www.weather.com
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/can-animals-sense-storms-weather/28009496
Images:
https://photos.smugmug.com
https://elnidoenvironment.files.wordpress.com
http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/
http://www.uh.edu/
http://www.hivesforlives.com/
https://scjdmcdn.azureedge.net
http://turningboholano.blogspot.com/
Now that the rainy season has arrived, expect that #NoLigo, will start to flood the social media as well—whether in jest or in all seriousness.
#NoLigo:
When the rains come bringing with it the cold weather, one is tempted to just burrow into the bed covers, forgetting all responsibilities, even the ones involving personal hygiene.
But is it really okay to skip showers during this season, since we don’t perspire and it’s extremely cold?
According to Dr. Karen Elysse J. Beltran of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, even if we don’t perspire, bacteria thrive on our skin. If that isn’t enough reason to still take showers on rainy days, Beltran also reminds us that during the rainy season, we are prone to respiratory diseases such as cough and colds, as well as diarrhea. Mosquitoes are also rampant during this season, possibly carrying diseases. That’s why poor personal hygiene may cost you your health.
Aside from taking a bath everyday, here are more tips to help you stay healthy this rainy season:
Eat healthy.
It is not advisable to eat street foods. Water and air-borne diseases are usually caused by food prepared in open-air food carts. It’s better if you cook food, especially fruits and vegetables, at home with the right preparation.
Wash your hands.
Your hands are a hotspot for germs and bacteria. Washing your hands properly before handling food—whether cooking or eating—ensures that you don’t ingest the nasty stuff that can cause diseases.
Always have a handkerchief with you.
Cover your mouth and nose with a clean hanky to protect you from catching or spreading diseases in crowded places.
Avoid sharing personal things.
Sharing your personal things like towels, soap, hairbrushes and clothes with other people also means sharing bacteria and germs.
No matter the season, we should remain vigilant about personal hygiene. Health threats come indiscriminately, and it is our responsibility to make sure that we’re always equipped to fight them.
– By Camille O. Javines, PanahonTV intern
If you’re a pluviophile or a person who loves the rain, you probably jumped for joy when PAGASA officially announced the onset of the rainy season last May 24. It’s also enough reason for ceraunophiles (people who are fond of thunderstorms) to celebrate!
But for those not too fond of rains, they often complain how rains could ruin their well-thought-of plans, especially for the weekend. The question remains: does it actually rain more on weekends?
The verdict
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Mr. Gener Quitlong, the weather doesn’t depend on any specific day, but on the prevailing weather systems, such as the easterlies or a low pressure area.
Rains can also be influenced by an area’s state of urbanization. The more urbanized a place is, the more manmade pollutants it has, which may influence the weather.
“Cities impact rainfall and can create their own rain and storms,” Dr. Marshall Shepherd, an Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and Geography at the University of Georgia in the U.S. explained.
But there may be some truth to the observation that it tends to rain more on weekends. Dr. Randall Cerveny of the Arizona State University, together with Geography Professor Robert Balling, examined rainfall in the Atlantic Ocean between 1979 and 1995 by analyzing global satellite data. Though the ocean tides were not affected by the day of the week, they found that the US was soaked during weekends. “Records from monitoring stations showed that levels of two urban pollutants, ozone and carbon monoxide, rose as the weekend approached,” Cerveny stated. On weekdays, human activities, such as daily commute and the use of heavy-duty office appliances are its peak, making the cities cesspools of pollution. This build up of pollutants may have taken effect by the time the weekend rolls around, giving rise to the possibility of rain.
But regardless if it’s the weekend or not, you know what to do this rainy season: bring umbrellas and raincoats, and most important of all, think of alternative and creative ways to enjoy your weekends in case it rains!
– By Angelyssa Lopez, PanahonTV intern
15 tropical cyclones entered Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in 2015, lower than the average of 18 to 20 cyclones in a year. The major factor that decreased the number of cyclones is the current strong El Niño phenomenon.
However, stronger cyclones were felt due to El Niño—some of these having cause massive destruction. When this happens, PAGASA decommissions cyclone names that have had severe impacts on lives and properties.
In line with this, PAGASA confirmed that “Nona” will be no longer used as cyclone name. Nona, with international name Melor, entered PAR last December 12, 2015.
At least one of two factors needs to be considered before delisting or decommissioning a cyclone name.
A. Cost of Damages
– 1 billion pesos or more, including damage in infrastructure and agriculture
B. Casualty
– 300 casualties or more
Based on the recent report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), data shows that Nona wreaked damages of more than 1 billion pesos. An estimated coast of damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounting to P6, 455, 183, 879.80 were reported in Regions II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and VIII.
PAGASA also announced that the agency is open to suggestions on Nona’s name replacement. The public is urged to send suggested names through the weather bureau’s poll on Facebook. Current suggestions include Nimfa, Nardo and Nanding. To cast your vote, follow this link: NONA Replacement Poll.