Why Leaves Change Color & Peak Fall Foliage in Pennsylvania
Fall foliage occurs due to the reduction of chlorophyll, revealing other pigments in trees, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. Weather significantly affects color vibrancy, with optimal viewing conditions being warm, sunny days and cool nights. Peak foliage varies by region, typically occurring between early and late October in Pennsylvania.
March Winds: Is It Windier Than Usual?
March is typically the windiest month in Pennsylvania, with average wind speeds of 7.8 mph in State College and 9.6 mph in Altoona. In 2025, averages rose to 8.6 mph and 10.7 mph respectively. This wind is caused by atmospheric pressure differences from uneven heating during the seasonal transition to spring.
Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse was visible across North America, with Erie, PA experiencing totality. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun, creating a day-time darkness. The next total solar eclipse will be on August 12, 2026, but will not be viewable in the U.S. until 2044.
Ring around the sun or moon… what is that?
Halos around the sun or moon, known as 22-degree halos, occur due to the refraction of light through hexagonal ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. This beautiful optical phenomenon can signal incoming precipitation, as cirrus clouds often precede warm fronts. The science of light and its interactions creates these stunning visual displays.
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