While the Old Farmer's Almanac is not unique to Alfred, NY, the information it contains about Alfred is unique to the area.
Robert B. Thomas was the original editor of the Almanac and the first copy was published in 1792; he also created the weather prediction formula still used today. Its publication stayed strong until 1936, when the current editor, Roger Scaife, edited out the weather forecast from the almanac. In 1939, though, it was then bought by Robert Sagendorph, where it's tradition in forecasting was carried on.
Three editions of the Almanac are published four times per year. The New England edition is printed in Boston.
A matter of accuracy . While the Almanac claims 80% accuracy, some say only around 52% come true (which is little better than guessing). (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/forum/february96/weather_2-2.html)
The following is data specific to Alfred, NY, spanning every 5 years, from 1970 to 2035.
April 22, 1970
Sun rise 5:20 A.M. set 7:00 P.M. length of day 13:40
April 22, 1975
Sun rise 6:20 A.M. set 8:00 P.M. length of day 13:40April 22, 1980
Sun rise 5:19 A.M. set 7:01 P.M. length of day 13:42April 22, 1985
Sun rise 5:19 A.M. set 7:01 P.M. length of day 13:42April 22, 1990
Sun rise 6:20 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:41April 22, 1995
Sun rise 6:20 A.M. set 8:00 P.M. length of day 13:40April 22, 2000
Sun rise 6:19 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:42April 22, 2005
Sun rise 6:19 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:42April 22, 2010
Sun rise 6:19 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:42
April 22, 2015
Sun rise 6:20 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:41April 22, 2020
Sun rise 6:20 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:41April 22, 2025
Sun rise 6:19 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:42April 22, 2030
Sun rise 6:19 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:42April 22, 2035
Sun rise 6:19 A.M. set 8:01 P.M. length of day 13:42
While the sun may set at a specific time "on the books" so to speak, the hills here create their own rise and set time. In winter, on the shortest day, the sun can easily set before 4:30, only because of Moland Hill.
So what or who is really in control of our natural light?
This is really interesting. I think it has alot of potential to tie into the different groups. Perhaps noting how the surrounding buildings affect what time it feels, and what time it actually is. For instance, half of academic alley is in shadow for part of the day...
ReplyDeleteIn Alfred it actually seems like there is no real sunset because the sun goes down behind the hills before the actual sunset starts. Can you find any more information about this, for instance maybe there is some folklore about it?
ReplyDeleteYeah, it would be interesting to find the science behind this. Also, what a clever thing to think about researching!
ReplyDelete