Registration is required for this free, virtual event: https://bit.ly/JoeRaoTalk

Hamptons Observatory and the South Fork Natural History Museum are honored to present a free, virtual lecture by renown meteorologist, Joe Rao.

For ages man has attempted to make sense of the changing aspects of the Sun, Moon and their possible influence on our ever-changing weather. Can a lack of sunspots ultimately lead to a trend toward colder temperatures? Can the changing phases of the Moon and its distance from Earth lead to stormy periods? Or do the movements of the planets have any control over our climate and weather? Can we really put any credence in the forecasts that are issued annually by such publications as the Old Farmer’s Almanac or by other so-called long-range weather experts? The answers may surprise you!

Joe Rao was the Chief Meteorologist and Science Editor at News 12 Westchester for 21 years. He was nominated for 8 Emmy Awards and, in 2015, the Associated Press voted him First among weathercasters in New York State. Since 1986, Joe has served as an associate and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium. He is Contributing Editor for Sky and Telescope magazine, and writes a syndicated weekly column for the online news service, Space.com. Joe also pens a monthly astronomy column for National History magazine and provides astronomical data for The Farmer’s Almanac.

Hamptons Observatory extends its appreciation to Joe Rao for generously taking the time to share his expertise and to the South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo.org) for its kind collaboration on this program.

Hamptons Observatory (HO), a 501(c)(3) NYS nonprofit that relies on public support, has served the community since 2005. Its mission: to foster interest in science, particularly astronomy, through educational programs such as lectures, star parties, portable planetarium shows and other events. HO has established the first astronomical observatory on the South Fork of Long Island (in East Hampton), complete with Long Island’s largest research-grade telescope. Hamptons Observatory offers all of its public programs free-of-charge (although donations are greatly appreciated) so that everyone can learn about and enjoy the universe around them. To join our email list for news and event notices, please email HamptonsObservatory@gmail.com.