Weatherwise

Magazine Overview

Title: Weatherwise
Issue: Vol. 11, No. 2
Date: April 1958
Publisher: Routledge (published bimonthly for the American Meteorological Society)
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $4.00 per year

This issue of Weatherwise features an in-depth article titled "Flying Saucers over Mount Rainier" by Richard J. Reed, which analyzes a purported UFO sighting as a meteorological phenomenon. The magazine also includes articles on Florida's winter weather, an Air Force weather system, forecasting tornado possibilities, snowfall in Florida, and a section called 'Weatherwatch'. The editorial offices were located in Princeton, N. J., while the publication office was in Boston, Mass.

"Flying Saucers over Mount Rainier" by Richard J. Reed

This article, by Richard J. Reed of the University of Washington, details an event that occurred on December 29, 1956, near Mount Rainier, Washington. Josef Scaylea, a photographer for the Seattle Times, captured a photograph of what appeared to be a "saucer-like object" in the sky. The phenomenon was observed by skiers on Pigtail Peak near White Pass.

Reed explains that the object was not a vehicle from outer space but a unique type of orographic cloud. Orographic clouds form when air flows over mountainous terrain, creating wave motions. As the air moves up and down these waves, it alternately warms and cools. If the air is moist, the cooling at the wave crests causes water droplets to condense, forming clouds. These clouds can appear as caps on summits, lenses, or discs, and often appear in series trailing downwind.

The specific cloud formation observed near Mount Rainier is described as having a lenticular or disc shape. The article provides detailed measurements and analysis, including figures and diagrams. Figure 2 illustrates the cloud's outline and topography, showing probable air motion. The base of the cloud was at 19,000 feet, and the top reached 32,000 feet. The discs were approximately three miles in diameter and gave the illusion of rotation, though this was attributed to variations in air wave amplitude, not spinning.

Reed discusses the process of measuring the cloud, including a discrepancy in the initial reported location of the photograph, which was resolved by a special trip to the site. The wind direction for the cloud layer was determined to be 240°, based on rawins taken at Seattle-Tacoma airport, located 45 miles northwest of Mount Rainier. The article also references meteorological data, including a sounding and hodograph from Seattle for December 29, 1956, to confirm the cloud base height.

The meteorological conditions leading to the cloud formation involved a large anticyclone over the area, with subsiding air currents. A weak storm was approaching the Washington coast, and coastal stations reported lowering cirrus clouds. The area around Mount Rainier showed mainly cirrus or cirrostratus, with a moist layer present at 18,000 feet. The wind speed above the peak averaged about 35 knots, with a relatively unstable lapse rate.

Other Articles and Sections

• Florida's Winter Weather: 1957-58 by Keith Butson (page 58): This article likely discusses the meteorological conditions and patterns of the winter season in Florida.
• An Air Force Weather System by George A. Guy (page 46): This piece probably details the operational aspects and technologies of a weather system used by the U.S. Air Force.
• Research and Education in Meteorology by Committee on Meteorology, NRC (page 60): This section likely covers advancements and initiatives in meteorological research and education.
• Forecasting Tornado Possibilities by Alexander Sadowski (page 51): This article focuses on the methods and challenges of predicting tornado occurrences.
• Weatherwatch (page 68): This is likely a regular column offering observations or commentary on current weather events or trends.
• Snowfall in Florida by David M. Ludlum (page 55): This article examines snowfall events in Florida, a region not typically known for heavy snow.
• Weather Rambles by Ivan Brunk (page 56): This section might contain anecdotal observations or discussions related to weather phenomena.

Front Cover and Related Information

The front cover features a photograph of a red suspension bridge, possibly the Golden Gate Bridge, with the text "California Dreaming" and "Weatherwise". The lead article, "Flying Saucers over Mount Rainier," is prominently displayed. Figure 1 on page 2 is a map of the State of Washington showing locations relevant to the Mount Rainier sighting. Figure 3 on page 4 presents a sounding and hodograph for Seattle on December 29, 1956.

The "Weatherwatch" section on page 68 includes a note about the front cover photo, stating: "Front cover: The scene to the northeast of Mt. Rainer late on the afternoon of 29 December 1956 as caught by the camera of Josef Scaylea of the Seattle Times."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's title, "Weatherwise," and its subtitle, "The Magazine About Weather," clearly indicate its focus on meteorology and atmospheric science. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry and explanation, as demonstrated by Reed's detailed analysis of the Mount Rainier "flying saucer" as an orographic cloud. The inclusion of articles on forecasting, weather systems, and research suggests a commitment to providing readers with comprehensive and accurate information about weather phenomena. The quote from Benjamin Franklin, "Some people are weatherwise but most are otherwise," on page 2, sets a tone that values meteorological understanding.