METEOROLOGY

New model improves short-range forecasts

Weather predictions just got a boost from a new weather computer model developed by researchers at Boulder's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The new model improves the accuracy of short-range weather forecasts used by the aviation community and the general public. The Rapid Update Cycle model, RUC20, has a resolution of 20 kilometers (12 miles), double that of previous models and is now in use at National Weather Service forecast offices, the Aviation Weather Center in Kansas City, Mo., and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla.

NOAA researchers say they expect the system to improve forecasts of icing and turbulence, hazardous conditions for aircraft, and surface winds, temperature, and precipitation.

ASTRONOMY

Hikers can distinguish between planets, stars

Learn about summertime constellations during a hike led by naturalists with the city of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks Department.

In "Swans & Eagles: The Summer Sky at Night," hikers can learn how to tell a planet from a star and to identify various constellations. The walk runs from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Meet at the Sunrise Amphitheater on Flagstaff Mountain. No dogs.

For more information, please call (303) 441-3440.

VOLUNTEERS

Open space dept. seeks nature writers

The Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is looking for people interested in writing about nature for the quarterly publication Images.

Topics of interest include good fall hikes, fall fishing, red-trailed hawks, jay birds, history of Lyons, cool season grasses, foxes and bobcats.

Please contact Pascale Fried at (303) 441-4559 or phfpa@co.boulder.co.us for further details.

— Compiled by Camera staff writer Katy Human

June 2, 2002

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