The SunBreak » clouds

In Solar-Power Surprise, Clouds Can Raise Energy Output

Michael van Baker — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 17:44:20 +0000

Essentially, the clouds help keep a lid on the solar energy that arrives. Explains Mass: "On partly cloudy days, we have periods with breaks in the clouds when you get direct solar radiation from the sun. But you ALSO get solar radiation that is reflected off nearby clouds...solar radiation that is not getting to someone else because the cloud is intercepting it."

Glimpses: “a bowl full of sky”

Chelsea — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:30:24 +0000

The sky just looks different in Eastern Washington, doesn't it? As we venture across the mountains to find the location of today's photo, we also pay homage to those spending this long weekend around these parts rocking, rolling, and then hopefully rocking some more. Thanks to lwestcoat for traveling east to get this placid yet grandiose shot.

Glimpses: “towers and contrails”

Chelsea — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:00:10 +0000

This Flickr pool shot by ChrisBlakeley up into the sky near one of Queen Anne's tallest TV towers reminds us that the continuing wonders of the world wide web mean never having to look up and not know if it's a bird or a plane ever again. No really: WolframAlpha knows everything, including the altitude and ground speed of that plane above you. And that other one over there, too. This is jet city, after all. So with the forecast calling for mostly dry, why not look up this weekend?