Snowing at Phantom Ranch This Morning !
...and it is still coming down. NPS photo by Adam Sherman.
Want to learn more about Phantom Ranch, the historic oasis nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon? Watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Snowing at Phantom Ranch (Grand Canyon)
From Grand Canyon National Park:
Snowing at Phantom Ranch This Morning !
...and it is still coming down. NPS photo by Adam Sherman.
Want to learn more about Phantom Ranch, the historic oasis nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon? Watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/
Snowing at Phantom Ranch This Morning !
...and it is still coming down. NPS photo by Adam Sherman.
Want to learn more about Phantom Ranch, the historic oasis nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon? Watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/
Photographer Didn’t Even Notice How Close Surfer Came to Danger Until He Got Home and Saw This Video | Video | TheBlaze.com
A photographer has seemingly captured video of a shark jumping out of the water near a surfer in southern California.
Photographer Didn’t Even Notice How Close Surfer Came to Danger Until He Got Home and Saw This Video | Video | TheBlaze.com
Photographer Didn’t Even Notice How Close Surfer Came to Danger Until He Got Home and Saw This Video | Video | TheBlaze.com
Northern Lights
From the U.S. Department of the Interior:
Here's an amazing display of the northern lights over Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. — at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Here's an amazing display of the northern lights over Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. — at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Australia's Ephemeral Lake Mackay
From NASA's Earth Observatory:
Water in Australia's salt lakes can be fleeting, but provides vital wetland habitat for plants and animals. Read more at http://
Water in Australia's salt lakes can be fleeting, but provides vital wetland habitat for plants and animals. Read more at http://
Tropical Depression Jangmi
From NASA's Hurricane Web Page:
NW PACIFIC OCEAN *Full Update* NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP Satellite Sees Strong Wind Shear Tearing Tropical Depression Jangmi Apart. Jangmi encountered strong southeasterly vertical wind shear in the Sulu Sea and NPP captured a visible picture of the storm on Dec. 31. FULL UPDATE:
http://www.nasa.gov/
NW PACIFIC OCEAN *Full Update* NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP Satellite Sees Strong Wind Shear Tearing Tropical Depression Jangmi Apart. Jangmi encountered strong southeasterly vertical wind shear in the Sulu Sea and NPP captured a visible picture of the storm on Dec. 31. FULL UPDATE:
http://www.nasa.gov/
System 95B
From NASA's Hurricane Web Page:
NO INDIAN OCEAN - System 95B Still has a low chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 24 hours, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). It is centered near 13.5 north and 84.5 east, about 280 nautical miles south of Visakhapatnam, India.
Recent animated multi-spectral satellite imagery shows fragmented bands of thunderstorms north of the ill-defined center . The JTWC gives this a low chance of development in the next 24 hours.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellites captured this image of the storm today.
NO INDIAN OCEAN - System 95B Still has a low chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 24 hours, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). It is centered near 13.5 north and 84.5 east, about 280 nautical miles south of Visakhapatnam, India.
Recent animated multi-spectral satellite imagery shows fragmented bands of thunderstorms north of the ill-defined center . The JTWC gives this a low chance of development in the next 24 hours.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellites captured this image of the storm today.
Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
From NOAA Digital Coast:
#NERRS Fun Fact: Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Wisconsin is the southern-most extent of the range of #boreal forests.http://1.usa.gov/13aH6w7
#NERRS Fun Fact: Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Wisconsin is the southern-most extent of the range of #boreal forests.http://1.usa.gov/13aH6w7
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Space Station Crew Members Discuss Life in Space at Holidays with the Media - YouTube
December 30, 2014
Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Commander Barry Wilmore of NASA and Flight Engineer Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Space Agency discussed their research activities aboard the laboratory and life away from Earth during the holiday season during a pair of in-flight interviews Dec. 30. Wilmore has been aboard the complex since late September while Cristoforetti has been living and working on the outpost since late November.
Video (14:01)
Space Station Crew Members Discuss Life in Space at Holidays with the Media - YouTube
Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Commander Barry Wilmore of NASA and Flight Engineer Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Space Agency discussed their research activities aboard the laboratory and life away from Earth during the holiday season during a pair of in-flight interviews Dec. 30. Wilmore has been aboard the complex since late September while Cristoforetti has been living and working on the outpost since late November.
Video (14:01)
Space Station Crew Members Discuss Life in Space at Holidays with the Media - YouTube
Young Talent
December 30, 2014
From Grand Canyon National Park:
Photo By: Romello (age 10), Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and Stewart L. Udall Parks in Focus Programparticipant in 2014.
For more great workshop images, visit flickr:https://flic.kr/s/
From Grand Canyon National Park:
Photo By: Romello (age 10), Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and Stewart L. Udall Parks in Focus Programparticipant in 2014.
For more great workshop images, visit flickr:https://flic.kr/s/
Amazing Sights at Acadia National Park
December 30, 2014
From U.S. Department of the Interior:
Acadia National Park has some amazing sights to see.#Maine — at Acadia National Park.
From U.S. Department of the Interior:
Acadia National Park has some amazing sights to see.#Maine — at Acadia National Park.
Teton Park Road
December 30, 2014
From Grand Teton National Park:
The Teton Park Road was groomed this morning, and should also be groomed every Friday for the rest of the winter season! For current conditions call our Road Conditions Hotline at 307.739.3682. And even though we never got above -2 degrees Fahrenheit today, people still got out to enjoy their beautiful park. What are some of your favorite memories of winter?
From Grand Teton National Park:
The Teton Park Road was groomed this morning, and should also be groomed every Friday for the rest of the winter season! For current conditions call our Road Conditions Hotline at 307.739.3682. And even though we never got above -2 degrees Fahrenheit today, people still got out to enjoy their beautiful park. What are some of your favorite memories of winter?
Alpine Wildflowers
December 30, 2014
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Looking back... last summer was a spectacular alpine wildflower season. Do you have a favorite Rocky memory from 2014? NPS photo by VIP Schonlau cl
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Looking back... last summer was a spectacular alpine wildflower season. Do you have a favorite Rocky memory from 2014? NPS photo by VIP Schonlau cl
Storm Watch
December 30, 2014
From Joshua Tree National Park:
Could Joshua Tree soon look like this? The#NewYearsStorm is on its way, and there is a winter weather advisory for the area starting this afternoon. If you're visiting the park, be prepared for cold, snow, and the potential for treacherous driving conditions.
Check the current weather forecast from the National Weather Service: http://
Photo by Robb Hannawacker from a snowstorm in 2010.
From Joshua Tree National Park:
Could Joshua Tree soon look like this? The#NewYearsStorm is on its way, and there is a winter weather advisory for the area starting this afternoon. If you're visiting the park, be prepared for cold, snow, and the potential for treacherous driving conditions.
Check the current weather forecast from the National Weather Service: http://
Photo by Robb Hannawacker from a snowstorm in 2010.
Centennial YouTube Project - YouTube
December 30, 2014
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Video (1:13)
Centennial YouTube Project - YouTube
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Video (1:13)
Centennial YouTube Project - YouTube
Photo of Grand Canyon by Young Photographer
December 30, 2014
From Grand Canyon National Park:
Photo by Pablo, age 12, Boys and Girls Club of Tucson and Stewart L. Udall Parks in Focus Programparticipant. -adr
From Grand Canyon National Park:
Photo by Pablo, age 12, Boys and Girls Club of Tucson and Stewart L. Udall Parks in Focus Programparticipant. -adr
Road Less Traveled
December 30, 2014
From Glacier National Park:
Sometimes, the road less traveled is the one to be on. (ms)
From Glacier National Park:
Sometimes, the road less traveled is the one to be on. (ms)
Cold Day at Mammoth Hot Springs
December 30, 2014
From Yellowstone National Park:
18 below zero for sunrise this morning at Mammoth Hot Springs.
From Yellowstone National Park:
18 below zero for sunrise this morning at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Cold Day at Glacier National Park
December 30, 2014
From Glacier National Park:
Sun, wind, waves whipping at the shore...surreal. And beautiful. And cold. (ms)
From Glacier National Park:
Sun, wind, waves whipping at the shore...surreal. And beautiful. And cold. (ms)
Beautiful Morning
December 30, 2014
From Great River and Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuges:
Another beautiful morning sunrise at the Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge! So nice to finally have some sunny days!
From Great River and Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuges:
Another beautiful morning sunrise at the Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge! So nice to finally have some sunny days!
Quote of the Day
December 30, 2014
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. -Hal Borland (NPS/Ranger Smith) ks
From Rocky Mountain National Park:
Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. -Hal Borland (NPS/Ranger Smith) ks
At Grand Geyser
December 30, 2014
From Yellowstone National Park:
Cold is no obstacle to appreciating Grand Geyser. Snowshoes, skis, and solid boots make the dramatic action of winter eruptions in the Upper Geyser Basin accessible to many. Good gear, good times!
From Yellowstone National Park:
Cold is no obstacle to appreciating Grand Geyser. Snowshoes, skis, and solid boots make the dramatic action of winter eruptions in the Upper Geyser Basin accessible to many. Good gear, good times!
Badger Pass Yosemite Ski Area
December 30, 2014
From Yosemite National Park:
Check out this "forest of skis" from 1942 at Badger Pass Yosemite Ski Area! Compare this view with the modern webcam at http://
From Yosemite National Park:
Check out this "forest of skis" from 1942 at Badger Pass Yosemite Ski Area! Compare this view with the modern webcam at http://
Icy Conditions at Arches National Park
December 30, 2014
From Arches National Park:
Roads and trails are VERY ICY throughout the park. The end of the Delicate Arch trail is 200 yards of solid ice; some folks (pictured) are crawling to avoid sliding off the trail. Do not attempt this hike without traction devices and/or trekking poles. Better bet = see Delicate Arch safely from the Viewpoint at the end of the road. (kh, photo by kt)
From Arches National Park:
Roads and trails are VERY ICY throughout the park. The end of the Delicate Arch trail is 200 yards of solid ice; some folks (pictured) are crawling to avoid sliding off the trail. Do not attempt this hike without traction devices and/or trekking poles. Better bet = see Delicate Arch safely from the Viewpoint at the end of the road. (kh, photo by kt)
Alexander Gerst’s Earth timelapses - YouTube
Pretty cool!
Six Minutes of Earth
Watch Earth roll by from the perspective of European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst in this six-minute time-lapse video. The video was made by combining 12,500 images Gerst took during his six-month mission on the International Space Station. Keep your eye out for auroras, sunrises, clouds, stars, oceans, lightning, cities at night, and the thin band of atmosphere that surrounds our planet. Video by the European Space Agency.
Video (6:10)
Alexander Gerst’s Earth timelapses - YouTube
(Not Real Snow)
December 30, 2014
From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
Brrrrrrrrr - it's cold in the Plains and snow is expected in the western United States and Great Lakes. Not surprising for this time of year, but did you know it "snows" in the ocean too? Here's more... http://
From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
Brrrrrrrrr - it's cold in the Plains and snow is expected in the western United States and Great Lakes. Not surprising for this time of year, but did you know it "snows" in the ocean too? Here's more... http://
Tranquil Riviera Bay adjacent to Gnejna Bay in the background, Malta
Photo courtesy of Joe Schembri:
The Times They Are a-Changin'
December 30, 2014
From NASA's Earth Observatory:
With consistent records of satellite observations that date back decades, it's possible to literally see Earth changing over time. Some changes are part of Earth's natural atmospheric and geologic rhythms. The responsibility for other changes, such as the shrinking of the Aral Sea and the Antarctic ozone hole, falls squarely on humanity’s shoulders. Our World of Change series documents how our planet’s land, oceans, atmosphere, and Sun are changing over time. See the World of Change galleries at
http://
From NASA's Earth Observatory:
With consistent records of satellite observations that date back decades, it's possible to literally see Earth changing over time. Some changes are part of Earth's natural atmospheric and geologic rhythms. The responsibility for other changes, such as the shrinking of the Aral Sea and the Antarctic ozone hole, falls squarely on humanity’s shoulders. Our World of Change series documents how our planet’s land, oceans, atmosphere, and Sun are changing over time. See the World of Change galleries at
http://
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM)
December 30, 2014
From U.S. Department of the Interior:
Located at the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges, scientists have long recognized the outstanding ecological values of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM). The convergence of three geologically distinct mountain ranges resulted in an area with remarkable biological diversity and a tremendously varied landscape. Many archaeological and historical sites are also found throughout the CSNM, providing clues to Native American use of the area and tracing portions of the historic Oregon/California Trail. One of the easiest ways to experience this unique landscape include hiking the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail which meanders some 19 miles through the Monument or reserving a campsite at the Monument's Hyatt Lake Recreation Area.
Photo: Bob Wick, BLM
From U.S. Department of the Interior:
Located at the crossroads of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges, scientists have long recognized the outstanding ecological values of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM). The convergence of three geologically distinct mountain ranges resulted in an area with remarkable biological diversity and a tremendously varied landscape. Many archaeological and historical sites are also found throughout the CSNM, providing clues to Native American use of the area and tracing portions of the historic Oregon/California Trail. One of the easiest ways to experience this unique landscape include hiking the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail which meanders some 19 miles through the Monument or reserving a campsite at the Monument's Hyatt Lake Recreation Area.
Photo: Bob Wick, BLM
Monday, December 29, 2014
2014 in Review: New Farm Bill Allows Kansas Family to Purchase Home
From USDA:
Megan Estrada and her children enjoy a swing on the porch of their new home financed by a USDA Rural Development home loan guarantee.
2014 will soon be in our collective rear view mirrors, and USDA Rural Development has had an incredibly productive year. This week we are looking back on stories from the year that illustrate the impact our programs have on rural communities. Here’s a story out of our Kansas State Office from June.
Megan Estrada and her three children are excited to spend time on their new home’s porch – a home they just moved into this summer. Prior to purchasing their own home, Estrada and her children had spent the last nine years in an apartment in Dodge City, Kansas.
Estrada tried to buy a home four years ago, but with no solid credit history was unable to secure a loan through conventional home financing. For the next four years Estrada built up her credit, then in May of this year she heard that USDA would be offering home loans in Dodge City and called her banker to see how to apply.
With the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, Dodge City became eligible for USDA Housing Programs. The Farm Bill contained language that changed the definition of a rural area for USDA’s Housing Program; the new definition allowed areas with populations of up to 35,000 that are rural in character to be eligible for USDA Housing Programs – which made Dodge City eligible.
In June, Estrada was the first Dodge City resident to purchase a home by utilizing USDA’s Guaranteed Rural Housing Program. Landmark National Bank provided the loan on Estrada’s three-bedroom home, which is guaranteed by USDA Rural Development.
“I am prepared to accept the responsibility of homeownership, and am looking forward to it,” said Estrada. “The kids enjoy having a backyard to play in, and I like allowing them to play outside where I know they are safe.”
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has helped more than 11,000 Kansas residents purchase a home.
As the new year begins, we in Rural Development look forward to a productive 2015 and the continued opportunity to promote, develop, and support the way of life in the rural communities that support agriculture across our nation.
Beautiful Night Scene
From U.S. Department of the Interior:
Gorgeous night scene in Joshua Tree National Park by Sal Cavazos. — at Joshua Tree National Park.
Gorgeous night scene in Joshua Tree National Park by Sal Cavazos. — at Joshua Tree National Park.
Looking Back
From NASA:
Engineers from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), who joined NASA after its creation, tested, developed, and recommended one of the most vital technologies that the United States needed in order to successfully launch the Saturn rockets in the 1960s. These engineers had become experts in the field of high-energy propellants, particularly liquid hydrogen, and believed it should be used to power the upper stages of the Saturn rocket. Read more: http://1.usa.gov/1wYDxoB
Engineers from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), who joined NASA after its creation, tested, developed, and recommended one of the most vital technologies that the United States needed in order to successfully launch the Saturn rockets in the 1960s. These engineers had become experts in the field of high-energy propellants, particularly liquid hydrogen, and believed it should be used to power the upper stages of the Saturn rocket. Read more: http://1.usa.gov/1wYDxoB
BLM Winter Bucket List #7: Trona Pinnacles,... | My Public Lands
From Bureau of Land Management - California:
Don't miss #Winter #BLMbucketlist #7: BLM-California's Trona Pinnacles, for out of this world rock formations! #DiscoverTheDesert #SeeBLMhttp://tmblr.co/Z9wNeu1Z78_Wq
BLM Winter Bucket List #7: Trona Pinnacles,... | My Public Lands
Don't miss #Winter #BLMbucketlist #7: BLM-California's Trona Pinnacles, for out of this world rock formations! #DiscoverTheDesert #SeeBLMhttp://tmblr.co/Z9wNeu1Z78_Wq
BLM Winter Bucket List #7: Trona Pinnacles,... | My Public Lands
Cushwa Basin
From Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park:
Cushwa Basin, yesterday morning. Photo by a C&O Canal Law Enforcement Officer. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
Cushwa Basin, yesterday morning. Photo by a C&O Canal Law Enforcement Officer. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Kaskaskia River Lock & Dam
From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters:
Did you know….that our Mississippi Valley Division has 62 locks within its boundary: 29 on the Mississippi River; 8 on the Illinois River; 6 on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, La.; 5 on the Red River, La.; 4 on the Ouachita and Black rivers, Ark. & La.; 1 on the Kaskaskia River, Ill.; 1 on Old River, La.; 1 on Bayou Teche, La.; 3 in the Atchafalaya Basin, La.; 1 on Freshwater Bayou, La.; and 3 on the West Pearl River, La. (Photo of the Kaskaskia River L&D)
Did you know….that our Mississippi Valley Division has 62 locks within its boundary: 29 on the Mississippi River; 8 on the Illinois River; 6 on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, La.; 5 on the Red River, La.; 4 on the Ouachita and Black rivers, Ark. & La.; 1 on the Kaskaskia River, Ill.; 1 on Old River, La.; 1 on Bayou Teche, La.; 3 in the Atchafalaya Basin, La.; 1 on Freshwater Bayou, La.; and 3 on the West Pearl River, La. (Photo of the Kaskaskia River L&D)
Winged Figures of the Republic
From the Bureau of Reclamation:
The Winged Figures of the Republic on the Nevada side of Hoover Dam are 30 ft tall and were sculpted by Oskar J.W. Hansen.
The Winged Figures of the Republic on the Nevada side of Hoover Dam are 30 ft tall and were sculpted by Oskar J.W. Hansen.
Lake Superior
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region:
Sometimes winter is best viewed in black and white!
Photo: Lake Superior courtesy of Randen Pederson/Creative Commons.
Sometimes winter is best viewed in black and white!
Photo: Lake Superior courtesy of Randen Pederson/Creative Commons.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
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