Astronomy/mid-latitude

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Expert: - 1/22/2010


Question
what kind of weather conditions an observer would experience if the center of a mid-latitude cyclone passed to the south?

Answer
In the northern hemisphere, air around a low circles counter-clockwise. So in the northern
hemisphere, an observer north of a low would experience an East wind.
(That means, a wind FROM the east... all winds are named after the direction FROM which they blow...memorize that statement if you're taking a meteorology course.)
(A southern hemisphere observer would experience the opposite, a west wind, because cyclones turn clockwise in the Southern hemisphere).

In addition, you could also say that other weather conditions, depending on season of the year,
would be opposite of an anti-cyclone or high pressure region. High's, with decending air,
generally bring fair skies and nice weather. But with lows, we find rising and condensing
water vapor...ie. cloudy, rainy and perhaps stormy weather... opposite of the weather
associated with a high pressure system.
That's as far as we can go, with no other synoptic information available.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

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Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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