Britain has experienced the hottest Easter for over 100 years, with temperatures reaching 27 degrees C (81F) on Good Friday.
This beats the previous record of 74F in London in 1984, and is the hottest Easter since records began in the early 1900s.
Temperatures are expected to remain above average for the time of year for the rest of the month.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Friday, 22 April 2011
Earth Day
Earth Day 2011: A Billion Acts of Green®
Earth Day is marked today by campaigns to make the world a greener place.
These include the Canopy Project: Earth Day Network aims to plant a million trees in partnership with non‐profit organizations throughout the world. Locations where reforestation is urgently needed include Haiti, Brazil, Mexico and urban areas of the US.
For more details see www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
Earth Day is marked today by campaigns to make the world a greener place.
These include the Canopy Project: Earth Day Network aims to plant a million trees in partnership with non‐profit organizations throughout the world. Locations where reforestation is urgently needed include Haiti, Brazil, Mexico and urban areas of the US.
For more details see www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Real Robin Hood revealed?
The story of Robin Hood has become the stuff of legend, celebrated through the centuries from early ballads up until the present day.
The outlaw and his band of merry men are most likely composites of several characters whose exploits were woven together from a blend of fact and fiction, and various suggestions have been put forward as to Robin Hood's original identity.
One popular theory is that he was Robin of Loxley, originally of noble birth but then became an outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor.
Another name put forward is that of 13th century farmer Robin Godberd, the subject of a new book by historian David Baldwin.
Early evidence shows that Godberd lead a band of men who ambushed wealthy travellers on their way through Sherwood Forest. He was once captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham and imprisoned in Nottingham Castle – details which tally with the story handed down over the years.
According to his Mr Baldwin’s research, Godberd lived from the early 1230s to the 1290s, and his gang were suspected of crimes including robbery, burglary, arson and poaching deer from Sherwood Forest.
Robin Hood - the English Outlaw Unmasked is available from Amberley Publishing.
The outlaw and his band of merry men are most likely composites of several characters whose exploits were woven together from a blend of fact and fiction, and various suggestions have been put forward as to Robin Hood's original identity.
One popular theory is that he was Robin of Loxley, originally of noble birth but then became an outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor.
Another name put forward is that of 13th century farmer Robin Godberd, the subject of a new book by historian David Baldwin.
Early evidence shows that Godberd lead a band of men who ambushed wealthy travellers on their way through Sherwood Forest. He was once captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham and imprisoned in Nottingham Castle – details which tally with the story handed down over the years.
According to his Mr Baldwin’s research, Godberd lived from the early 1230s to the 1290s, and his gang were suspected of crimes including robbery, burglary, arson and poaching deer from Sherwood Forest.
Robin Hood - the English Outlaw Unmasked is available from Amberley Publishing.
Friday, 1 April 2011
Saturn in sight
Earth will pass between Saturn and the sun on 4 April.
The ringed planet will be at its closest to us and will more shine brightly in the night sky. It will continue to be relatively close to the earth for the month ahead.
To the naked eye, the rings of Saturn are not visible, but the planet will look like a bright golden star.
The ringed planet will be at its closest to us and will more shine brightly in the night sky. It will continue to be relatively close to the earth for the month ahead.
To the naked eye, the rings of Saturn are not visible, but the planet will look like a bright golden star.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Earth Hour
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour.
www.earthhour.org
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour.
www.earthhour.org
Friday, 18 March 2011
SuperMoon
The moon may look exceptionally large and bright over the next few nights, as it is closer to the earth than it has been at any time over the past 18 years.
At its closest point (the lunar perigee) it is about 220,000 miles away from us, compared to 254,000 at its furthest point (the lunar apogee).
Tidal forces from the moon are roughly 10-15 per cent stronger during the lunar perigee, but this doesn't necessarily mean they will have any significant effect on the tides on earth. At most, tides would be expected to rise by about an inch (3cm approx).
American astrologer Richard Nolle, who uses the phrase "supermoon" to describe this phenomenon, claims that it can be linked to extreme tides, storms and earthquakes.
However, a number of leading astronomers have denied that the proximity of the moon plays any part in causing earthquakes.
At its closest point (the lunar perigee) it is about 220,000 miles away from us, compared to 254,000 at its furthest point (the lunar apogee).
Tidal forces from the moon are roughly 10-15 per cent stronger during the lunar perigee, but this doesn't necessarily mean they will have any significant effect on the tides on earth. At most, tides would be expected to rise by about an inch (3cm approx).
American astrologer Richard Nolle, who uses the phrase "supermoon" to describe this phenomenon, claims that it can be linked to extreme tides, storms and earthquakes.
However, a number of leading astronomers have denied that the proximity of the moon plays any part in causing earthquakes.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
St Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the patron saint of Ireland.
When he was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 and sent as a missionary to Ireland, he was given the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" which comes from the Latin "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people".
St Patrick suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. There are accounts which talk about his struggles with the Druids.
The best known legend about St. Patrick is the story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from the land.
St Patrick's Day became an official feast day since the early 17th century, and has since evolved into a time of celebration of Irish culture.
When he was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 and sent as a missionary to Ireland, he was given the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" which comes from the Latin "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people".
St Patrick suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. There are accounts which talk about his struggles with the Druids.
The best known legend about St. Patrick is the story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from the land.
St Patrick's Day became an official feast day since the early 17th century, and has since evolved into a time of celebration of Irish culture.
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