Month: March 2013
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Phagwah – Parade
In Queens, a festival takes place at the time of the full moon every March. Participants celebrate with “call and response” style singing, and the playing of indigenous drums and cymbals.
March 28, 2013Phagwah – Powder
In an Indo-Caribbean community an ancient festival of spring is celebrated with colored baby powder.
March 27, 2013Phagwah – Meaning
The most joyful festival of the Indo-Caribbean culture is in early spring. Phagwah is a celebration of the rebirth of nature and the spirit of young love.
March 26, 2013Snake River Birds of Prey – History
Raptor populations such as the hawk and prairie falcon, can directly indicate the health of our earthly environment.
March 25, 2013Snake River Birds of Prey – Prairie Falcons
Prairie Falcons soar to exhilarating heights along eighty-two miles of river canyon in Idaho.
March 22, 2013Noruz – Triumph of Tradition
Although the government of Iran tried to suppress it, the venerable holiday of Noruz continues to be one of that nation’s most popular celebrations.
March 21, 2013Noruz
The first day of spring marks the start of an ancient holiday.
March 20, 2013Noruz – Customs
Noruz means “new day” and it’s celebrated with new clothes, gift-giving and bonfires.
March 19, 2013Early Spring – Marmot’s Choice
Marmots risk starvation because of misleading cues that spring has arrived in the Rocky Mountains.
March 18, 2013Early Spring – Unexpected Conditions
Warming weather and increased snowfall send mixed signals to migrating species.
March 15, 2013Early Spring – Harbingers
A broad range of species of plants are blooming up to 46 days earlier now than they did three decades ago. The reason, biologists say, is global climate change.
March 14, 2013Dark Skies – Asteroid Defense
Astronomers are scouring the skies for rogue asteroids headed our way. They say the job is made more difficult by light pollution.
March 13, 2013Dark Skies – Turn Out the Lights
Astronomers battling light pollution are working with local governments to reduce the amount of stray light emitted from houses, parking lots, and street lights.
March 12, 2013Star Lore – Comets
For thousands of years comets have been looked upon as dire omens for the future, but these celestial phenomenon are actually messages of the past.
March 11, 2013Nanoparticles – Ocean Fertilization
Can “fertilizing” our oceans help stave off climate change?
March 8, 2013Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Down the River
Science Diarist Michael Hochella explains how waterborne toxins move with unexpected swiftness.
March 7, 2013Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Found It!
Science Diarist Michael Hochella captures an image of an elusive nanoparticle.
March 6, 2013Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Headwaters
Geochemist Michael Hochella is ankle-deep and collecting samples in the Clark Fork River’s headwaters.
March 5, 2013Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Hours in the Library
Before scientists head into the field, they hit the stacks.
March 4, 2013Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Clark Fork River
Science Diarist Michael Hochella is on the trail of an elusive nanoparticle.
March 1, 2013Skating Canal – Winter Beauty
The Rideau Canal in Ottawa offers skating enthusiasts miles to glide while enjoying the beauty of winter.