Science, Beauty, and Wonder in Uncertain Times
By AMS President-Elect Alan Sealls
From space, we see our home planet. Earth. The Blue Marble. A unique sphere covered partially by land, mostly by ocean, somewhat by ice, but completely by a thin and delicate layer of atmosphere. Join the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in celebrating Earth Day 2025. To the young and young at heart, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty, keep up the efforts to protect our planet. AMS does that 365 days a year as seen in the passionate work of our members and colleagues who study weather, water, and climate. From agriculture to aviation, from commerce to transportation to recreation and your vacation, from health to habitats for humans and all creatures big and small, understanding the planet through observation, data, research, and modeling rewards humanity and ensures not just stronger economies and safer communities, but also enhances the ability to predict and plan for changes on Earth.
Along with a deep appreciation for how the atmosphere operates, members of AMS are awed by the sheer magnificence and beauty of clouds, rainbows, snow crystals, and distant lightning. Indeed, we are in awe of the Earth system, including polar ice, ocean currents, solar storms, and jet streams. We have never lost our child-like curiosity and sense of wonder, and we hope that everyone takes a few moments on Earth Day to feel the sun and wind on their face and to see the stars twinkle at night.
We have one Earth. Appreciate it. Be thankful for the knowledge gained over centuries by scientists and citizen scientists, and those who simply marvel at nature. That gives us a deeper understanding of how nature’s cycles impact humans and how humans impact those cycles. On this Earth Day, it continues to be the mission of the AMS to help everyone understand that air, land, and water are intertwined with each other and our lives. By investing in a greater understanding of how the atmosphere and oceans work, we invest in the health and well-being of our communities and future generations.
Earth Day trivia…
- Most of the world’s freshwater is frozen in glaciers.
- Wind is air in motion. We feel it because air has weight.
- Meteorology is the study of hydrometeors – rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
- You can find snow near the equator, but only at high mountain elevations.
- Antarctica is considered a desert because very little precipitation occurs.
Photo credit: “Earthrise,” by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders. NASA.