“It is almost possible to predict one or two days in advance, within a rather broad range of probability, what the weather is going to be; it is even thought that it will not be impossible to publish daily forecasts, which would be very useful to society.”
                                   ~ Antoine- Lavoisier Lavoister (1743-1794), French nobleman, known as the father of modern chemistry who named oxygen and proved water is made from oxygen and hydrogen.    
With Antoine’s brilliance in the field of science, he was elected to the Academy of Sciences, France’s elite scientific society. Because of this, and also being part of the noble class, he was caught up in the social upheaval of the French Revolution; he was put to death. A fellow scientist stated, “It took an instant to take his head, and a hundred years may not produce another like it.”

Science doesn’t seem a radical or controversial study or subject, but then again there was Galileo and now global warming. Innovations and ideas in science continue on …

There is excitement in the weather-world! This Saturday, Nov. 20, the Geo Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) – a next-generation weather satellite – is being launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Positioned 22,300 miles directly above the Earth’s Western Hemisphere its collected data will provide more timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings. In addition, it will monitor hazards such as CO2, aerosols, volcanic eruptions and forest fires. GOES-R is also capable of assisting in search and rescue missions. For live coverage watch NASA-TV.

The forecast for rain I had mentioned for Tuesday never materialized. Warm (if not hot) breezy days befell us instead. There’s no denying the weather was beautiful just as there is no denying our need for rain. Once again, there is a chance of rain. At this point in time (Thursday) the various prediction sources (called models in the world of meteorology) are suggesting a slight possibility by Monday. Confidence is low as to the exact timing and actual rain amounts. Come Tuesday, warm and clear days will prevail.

As Monsieur Lavoister suggests in his above quotation, “It is almost possible to predict (the weather) one or two days in advance …” Considering these words were spoken more than 250 years ago, we need your help, GOES-R!
Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.