The mega-storm that hit several eastern states June 29, 2012 left over five million homes without power, caused widespread damage, and took at least 22 lives. The storm was actually a series of storms that joined forces and very quickly became a devastating line of destructive power. The term “derecho” is being used to describe this weather phenomenon.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Derecho Facts Page:

“A derecho (pronounced similar to “deh-REY-cho” in English … ) is a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of tornadoes, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight swath. As a result, the term ‘straight-line wind damage’ sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. By definition, if the wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles … and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph … or greater along most of its length, then the event may be classified as a derecho. “

In other words, it’s like 30 tornadoes that, rather than spinning, move in a straight line causing hurricane force winds. The folks affected by the June 29 Derecho will attest to the strength and power of the storm.

Here’s an audio clip from NPR’s “All Things Considered” show on July 2, 2012:
DerechoNPR

And a YouTube video of the path the derecho took:

Via NPR:  Word of the Day – Derecho

On August 5, 2012, the rover Curiosity will land on Mars using a completely different landing scheme than before. Prior to this landing, parachutes and balloons were used to soften the landings of the Mars Rovers.

This time, a parachute will be used to slow the entry pod down to 200mph, then a rocket propelled transporter to bring it to a hover over the surface. Since the rockets would create a huge dust cloud, it will hover far enough above the surface to prevent dust. The robotic system will then lower the Curiosity on a cable until it rests on the surface. As soon as the rover touches the surface, the cable will disengage and the transporter will rocket away to a safe distance and land.

It takes 14 minutes for radio transmissions to reach Earth from Mars. NASA will know when the Curiosity enters the atmosphere, and that it’ll take seven minutes to reach the surface. The Curiosity will have been on the surface for a full seven minutes before we know if it arrived safely. They’re calling it “Seven Minutes of Terror”

This movie clip is an excellent preview of what we can expect in August, 2012.