Personal Observation: How Climate Change Has Affected Maryland - More Tornadoes

I've seen what climate change does in realtime,especially over the last 35 years in the state of Maryland. As a meteorologist, I remember when I first moved to Maryland in 1989 one of my meteorology books listed the "average number of tornadoes per state" and for Maryland it was one tornado annually. That's certainly not the case anymore. According to the National Weather Service, Baltimore, in 2026 there have been at least 8 tornadoes!  So what's happening? As the world continues to warm, and there's more water vapor in the atmosphere causing more violent, tornado-generating storms.  That's today's blog.

WHY DOES A WARMER CLIMATE FUEL MORE SEVERE STORMS? Warmer air holds more water: Basic science shows that rising global temperatures let the air "drink in" and transport vastly more moisture from oceans and land. Water vapor acts as the fuel for weather systems. When the air gets warmer, it holds more moisture—about 7% more for every 1°C (1.8°F) of warming. When this extra vapor condenses into clouds and rain, it releases hidden heat energy that powers faster winds, taller storm clouds, and heavier downpours Also, a warmer atmosphere creates stronger updrafts: This released heat makes the air lighter and causes it to rise faster, creating violent vertical updrafts that build towering storm systems.

MY EXPERIENCE: When I first moved to Maryland in 1989, the entire state averaged one tornado annually, and usually they were recorded near western Maryland like Frederick County, because the Blue Ridge mountains would put a spin in the atmosphere when thunderstorms rolled through. As of August 16, 2026, the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington has confirmed at least 12 tornadoes in Maryland so far this year, following a cluster of active severe weather events through late July and early August. Now, tornadoes are not limited to western Maryland. As storms have become more intense, severe thunderstorms that spawn tornadoes have been recorded all over the state.

Video of the Baltimore City Tornado from August 10, 2026: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19Y4q6W6WZ/

2026 TORNADOES IN MARYLAND 

* August 10, 2026: An EF-0 tornado (65 mph winds) tracked 2 miles from the Port of Baltimore (Seagirt Marine Terminal) into Dundalk in Baltimore County.

* July 28, 2026: A severe storm outbreak spawned 5 tornadoes that struck across opposite sides of the Chesapeake Bay within just a six-minute span, including three confirmed in Anne Arundel County (Riviera Beach, Lake Shore, and between Arnold/Cape Saint Claire) and two in Talbot County near Trappe (between 6:12 PM – 6:18 PM) 

* 6:12 PM (Trappe, Talbot County): EF-1 tornado with 90–100 mph winds.

* 6:15 PM (Lakeshore / Pasadena, Anne Arundel County): EF-1 tornado with 100 mph winds. 

* 6:17 PM (Cape St. Claire, Anne Arundel County): Tornado with final rating finalized/assessed by the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington. 

* 6:18 PM (Trappe, Talbot County): A second, weaker EF-0 tornado (70–80 mph) hit the same general area.

* March 16, 2026 (New Windsor / Carroll County): An EF-0 tornado touched down in New Windsor, accompanied by an EF-1 later in the day

* March 11, 2026 (Howard County): An EF-1 tornado (winds up to 90 mph) touched down near Gaither in northwestern Howard County.

* March 11, 2026: A secondary brief EF-0 tornado was confirmed during the same mid-March severe weather setup.

Research: 5 Cups of Coffee Is Often Okay (Black coffee)

 I love my Dunkin' hot black coffee and I'm always looking for studies about consuming it, and its effects. From my own experience I know that drinking black coffee after a meal helps my digestion, as the acids in the coffee seem to help break down the food. That's my experience. Today's blog is about research that says 5 cups of coffee daily is okay (for people who don't have health issues). 

(Tyler used to say "Where's my coffee?" - Photo from 2019)) 

The Heart Association Says You Can Drink Up to 5 Cups of Coffee to Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke

Jillian Wilson, Jul 20, 2026, Huff Post

Go ahead and pour yourself that extra cup of coffee, but hold the cream and sugar.

According to a new statement published in Circulation, the American Heart Association’s medical journal, your coffee habit may actually be good for your cardiovascular health.

Volunteers for the American Heart Association looked at research from recent decades and found that having up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day, or up to roughly five 8-ounce cups of coffee, is safe for most adults and may offer heart health benefits.

Consuming up to 400 milligrams of black coffee each day is considered safe, according to researchers, and is tied to lower rates of heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat, and a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.

While this research shows that drinking black coffee may offer cardiovascular benefits for many adults, more research is needed to see how different forms of caffeine (such as tea) impact heart health, according to study authors.

One caveat? This is true for black coffee only — not for sugar-sweetened lattes and coffee mixed with half-and-half.

As a rule, the American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their whole milk consumption, which is high in saturated fat.

DOESN'T APPLY TO FRENCH PRESS, ESPRESSO, TURKISH COFFEE, OR ENERGY DRINKS

Cafestol, which is found in French press coffee, Turkish coffee, espresso and boiled coffee, is linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol, or the “bad type” of cholesterol, which is known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

This is not a concern with instant coffee and coffee brewed with paper filters, as they do not contain cafestol.

Caffeine intake in energy drinks does not have health benefits and may instead be harmful. Energy drinks (and energy shots) generally contain higher amounts of caffeine than a cup of coffee or a shot of espresso. This “may increase the risk of high blood pressure and/or irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia,” the American Heart Association said in its press release.

Saw the Partial Solar Eclipse!

The week of August 9th gave northern New Englanders a special astronomical treat - a Partial Solar Eclipse! On August 12, 2026, Maine was treated to see this event during the middle of the day. Back on April 8th, 2024, we experienced 95% totality of the Total Solar Eclipse. Fortunately, Tom kept a pair of the Eclipse viewing glasses so we were able to step outside and see the image of almost 20% of the Moon obscuring the Sun. (Although I had the stomach flu for 5 days at that point, I needed to see it!)

IF MAINE SAW ONLY 20% WHERE WAS THE PATH OF TOTALITY (100%)? The solar eclipse begins in extreme northern Russia, crosses the Arctic Ocean, tracks along eastern and western Greenland, sweeps across western Iceland, and ends across northern and central Spain with a small sliver touching northeastern Portugal.

PARTIAL ECLIPSE REGIONS:  Europe: Most major European cities (like London, Paris, and Madrid) experience a massive partial eclipse ranging from 90% to near-total coverage.North America: Parts of northeastern North America and eastern Canada see a minor partial eclipse.  

(Image of what we saw from Maine around 1:30 p.m. ET) 

Partial solar eclipse visible across Maine

The partial eclipse was visible In Portland, the eclipse will begin at 12:57 p.m. and end at 2:27 p.m.

Associated Press, August 12, 2026

PORTLAND, Maine — A rare partial solar eclipse will be visible across Maine on Wednesday afternoon.

(Photo: Fortunately, there were few clouds to block our view for the couple of minutes!) 

The eclipse's path of totality will pass through parts of Europe, including Spain, on Aug. 12. Parts of Greenland, western Iceland and a corner of Portugal will also experience totality.

In the United States, a partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania, as well as Washington, D.C.

Some of the best viewing in the U.S. will be in Maine, where only a small “bite” will be taken out of the solar disk (20% to 40%) as the moon appears to just clip the sun.

(Our friends Angie and Les sent this photo from Europe where her sister captured this view from England)

In Bangor, the partial eclipse will begin at 12:54 p.m. and end at 2:49 p.m. In Portland, it will begin at 12:57 p.m. and end at 2:27 p.m.

The eclipse will begin around midday in the northern United States and continue into the afternoon in areas farther east.

Newbury, Mass #1: Visited the Historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

We recently visited the historic Spence-Pierce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts. It is located next to Newburyport that we talked about in last week's blog. You'll learn about the history of the farm from the Native Americans to the English settlers, and meet some animals!

(Tom was hanging around the asses on the farm. Credit: R.G.) 

OUR VISIT - We visited on July 24, 2026, and it was a perfect weather day with temperatures in the 70s with sunshine and blue sky. We enjoyed walking around the farm, which is an active, working farm today. A couple of people were tending to the sheep, donkeys and goats and there were young kids visiting from a summer camp. 

(One donkey said to the other, "Don't be such an ass.": Credit: R.G.)

TOM FEEDS A DONKEY! - Tom enjoyed hanging around the asses, uh, donkeys, because he got to feed them hay and carrots.  He has a soft spot for donkeys, because he donates to a donkey rescue. I guess they could sense that! 

ABOUT THE SPENCER-PEIRCE LITTLE FARM - Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is located at 5 Little’s Lane,Newbury, MA. It's a family-friendly National Historic Landmark with activities for all ages. The 230-acre site includes a 1690 manor house (That's another blog) that served as the country seat of wealthy Newburyport merchants and an attached farmhouse that was home to a Lithuanian family for most of the twentieth century. 

COOL FACT - Today, the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm fosters animals in partnership
with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Visit friendly sheep, goats, chickens, and a horse throughout the year.

(Photo: Rob decided to hang out with the old (and young) goats.)

EVENTS THERE-  Take a farm tour or attend one of the outdoor events, including Vintage Base Ball from May to October. The site is available for weddings and private events. 

WHO IS THE FARM NAMED AFTER? The Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is named after three prominent families who owned the land over the centuries: John Spencer, who received the original land grant in 1635 and was granted 400 acres of cleared grazing land; Daniel Peirce Sr., who bought the property in 1651; and Edward Little, who purchased the farm in 1861.

 

(There were a lot of sheep on the farm!)

LAND THROUGH HISTORY - The land was called Quascacunquen, meaning waterfall, with the English renaming it Newbury in 1635. Similarly, the Quascacunquen River was renamed the Parker River. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm sits on the homeland of the Pawtucket and Penacook Native Americans, dating back thousands of years. 

     An archeological dig identified an indigenous site at the farm, which is evidence to the presence of these groups, centuries prior to the arrival of the English. The Pawtucket and Penacook were both semi-autonomous groups who moved with the seasons. They used the land, that now makes up the North Shore, for fishing, hunting, foraging,

Idiot of the Week: J6er Denied Medical License

This week's idiot stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 as part of the insurrection to overthrow the election. She assaulted an officer, was arrested, tried, convicted, and then pardoned by a virus. But Karma would still catch up. What's astounding is that she was a doctor.  Now, the Massachusetts Medical board will not allow her renew her license to practice medicine. 

(This image from U.S. Capitol Police body-worn video that was in the government sentencing memorandum in the case, shows Jacquelyn Starer, a physician from Massachusetts, striking a police officer in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Credit: U.S. Department of Justice)

Medical board revokes right to renew license for Mass. doctor who hit officer on Jan. 6

By Ross Cristantiello, Boston.com, July 21, 2026

The state’s Board of Registration in Medicine revoked a Massachusetts doctor’s right to renew her medical license last week, citing the fact that she struck a police officer while breaching the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Jacquelyn Starer, of Ashland, pleaded guilty to eight charges, including a felony assault charge, in 2024. She was sentenced to 9 months in prison for her actions, but was pardoned by President Donald Trump shortly after he began his second term last year.

Starer is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist who has a subspeciality in addiction medicine. She was primarily a practitioner of addiction medicine before her arrest in 2022.

After traveling to Washington, D.C. to attend Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally, Starer walked with other protesters to the Capitol and entered the building through its East Door. She initially found the atmosphere inside “fairly calm,” but was drawn to an argument between police and rioters in the rotunda, Starer’s attorneys wrote in court documents.

Starer engaged in a “heated discussion” with another member of the crowd, and pushed his arm away from her because she felt like he was “invading her space.” During this interaction, she turned away from the line of police. One officer pushed Starer in the back. She responded by turning and striking the officer with a closed fist, her attorneys wrote.

She said that she was upset with the other rioter who had apparently tried to hold her back, and instinctively punched the officer’s arm after being pushed, her attorneys said.

Prosecutors said in court documents that Starer’s assault of the officer “riled up the hostile crowd and contributed to the dangerousness of the situation.” They emphasized that Starer yelled expletives at officers and pushed her way through the mob in order to confront police.

Starer was affected by pepper spray and exited the Capitol about 15 minutes after she entered it.

The interaction occurred as police attempted to keep rioters away from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office. It was captured on video, including on footage from body-worn cameras.

Starer pivoted to addiction medicine after dealing with addiction herself and attempting suicide in 1996, according to court documents. She went on to serve as president of the Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine and as a consultant to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

In a 2024 letter to the judge who oversaw Starer’s case, her husband said that Starer hoped to continue practicing medicine.

“She would very much like to regain her privileges to practice medicine and continue to care for those struggling with addiction, but this is unlikely if the outcome of these proceedings is not in her favor,” he wrote. “At the very least, she would like to restore her reputation in the medical profession and in the community.”

Heroes of the Week: NH State Troopers Stop Car Exceeding 100 mph

This week's heroes are the New Hampshire State Police who were able to stop 2 teens who were speeding at dangerously excessive speed on an Interstate in southeastern New Hampshire.The driver was accused of driving 100+ mph and failing to stop for troopers Friday; and a passenger faces a possession charge.

 

Teens From Belmont, Mass., Charged After Chase With New Hampshire State Police On Interstate 95

Tony Schinella, Patch Staf, Sun, Aug 9, 2026

GREENLAND, NH — Two Bay State teens face charges after a chase with New Hampshire State Police on Interstate 95 on Friday night.

Just before 9:45 p.m., a trooper on the northbound side of the highway attempted to stop the driver of a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, “which was observed traveling more than 100 mph” in Greenland, according to a state police report. When the driver, later identified as Justin Jedry, 18, of Belmont, MA, was accused of refusing to stop, a chase ensued.

“(Jedry) exited the highway into Portsmouth, at which time the pursuit was discontinued in the interest of public safety,” the report stated. “Shortly after, troopers located the vehicle and again attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, and the pursuit was reinitiated.”

Troopers tried to stop the chase by blocking the vehicle, which resulted in minor damage to their cruisers.

“Ultimately, assisting Troopers deployed tire deflation devices, successfully concluding the pursuit,” the report stated.

Book of the Week: Hounded - Lowdown on Life

Being a Dachshund dad, when I saw this week's book come up in my feed, I thought I would give it a try. After all, it had three beautiful Dachshunds on the cover and it had a  4.5 star rating. But by Page 30, I gave up.  BTW, I don't say books are good or bad, just whether they appealed to me. Obviously many readers enjoyed this book more than I did, although I did like the Dachshund highlights on every chapter.  

MY TAKE - I enjoyed the first story where the author's dad brought home a stray dog they named King, which fostered his love for dogs. After that story, and a few mentions about breeders and one of their dachshunds, it focused much more on the author and his family and their travels. It didn't seem Dachshund focused, it seemed author focused.

The summary said it was about observations any dog lover would appreciate. I did find numbered "rules" at ends of  chapters with a picture of one of his adorable dachshunds, and a sentence with "Dachshund Life Lessons." Those I could relate to, and enjoyed reading. Perhaps I didn't give it enough time, but I wanted more of the dogs and less of family dynamics. - So, if you're looking for more dog-oriented stuff, I would pass - but the Dachshunds are adorable.

Hounded: The Lowdown on Life from Three Dachshunds by Matt Ziselman   

ABOUT THE BOOK: Living with three strong-willed, highly individual Dachshunds can be equal parts entertaining, frustrating and rewarding. Just ask Matt Ziselman.

Armed with a fresh, creative voice that is unabashedly cranky one moment and profoundly poignant the next, Ziselman mixes hilarious canine stories, with heartfelt reminiscences from his own life, the results of which is a memoir of illuminating life lessons, courtesy of the three thoroughly Teutonic Dachshunds that he shares his life (and couch) with: Baxter, Maya and Molly. Seemingly mundane moments, like Baxter's incessant, neuroses inducing staring, Maya's inexplicable refusal to walk through the front door and Molly's obsessive compulsive love for a torn and tattered blanket become, through Ziselman's insightful eyes, a treasure trove of observations that any dog-lover will appreciate. 

In a market where Americans spend more than $40 billion a year on their pets, this work of razor-sharp wit and quiet tenderness will reach out and grab readers everywhere by the heartstrings and-quite possibly-their leashes.

HOUNDED wraps universal insights in hot-dog-shaped packages, providing true dog lovers with many knowing nods, honest belly laughs and an accurate, warts-and-all reflection of the fascination, wonder and love that they have for their dogs. And that Matt Ziselman obviously has for his.

Maine Firefighters get a surprise while responding to an alarm

If you read this blog you know how I admire firefighters. Well, this story out of Maine earlier this month explains how they had a unique challenge when they responded to an alarm.

Auburn, Maine firefighters get a surprise while responding to an alarm

Jun 8, 2026 Adam Bartow, WMTW-TV, Portland, Maine 

 AUBURN, Maine —Firefighters are trained for many things, but crews in Auburn recently got a unique surprise.

The fire department shared video on Monday as crews responded to a recent fire alarm activation.

They quickly determined that it was a false alarm - caused by a groundhog who was on the fire alarm pull switch.

The groundhog did not appear to want to leave, as video shows it hanging on tight to the alarm and framing around it as firefighters worked to safely remove it.

"After a thorough investigation, we can confirm: No fire, no smoke, just a very confused rodent," the fire department wrote on Facebook. "He did not see his shadow, but he definitely saw our flashing lights. The crew gave him a lecture on proper fire safety and the consequences of pulling false alarms and he was safely escorted outside. Remember: Working smoke alarms save lives, no matter who is doing the testing!"

The groundhog was taken outside and released.

(Photo: Not the same ground hog, but another from a previous incident. This Groundhog was rescued from vehicle engine in Portland, Maine on March 14, 2024) 

DISCOVERY! Lavish Roman villa outside Rome's walls

An ancient Roman villa that came to light because it was illegally excavated, was found in an area frequented two millennia ago by the emperors Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. That's today's blog! 

(Photo: An overhead view of four rooms at the villa undergoing excavation. Image credit: Italian Ministry of Culture / Special Superintendency of Rome)

Lavish Roman villa discovered outside Rome's walls may have been frequented by Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius 

LIVE SCIENCE PLUS, Kristina Killgrove, June 14, 2026

A clandestine excavation on the outskirts of Rome has brought to light a "splendid villa" that may have belonged to a member of the Antonine imperial family, according to archaeologists with the Special Superintendency of Rome. The remains of the first-century villa, which was previously unknown to archaeologists, include frescoed walls and mosaic floors that showcase the elite social status of the owners.

The villa was discovered at Castel di Guido, a village about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of the ancient city walls of Rome. In ancient times, the area was known as Lorium, and it was frequented by prestigious Roman families, including the Roman emperors Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius.

Illegal Excavations Stopped

In February, the local police were alerted to illegal excavations at Castel di Guido on government-owned land, according to a June 15 translated statement from the Italian Ministry of Culture's Special Superintendency of Rome. The unauthorized excavations had been undertaken with a backhoe, which made deep cuts into the villa and left huge piles of dirt.

Superintendency archaeologists led by Alessia Contino carried out emergency excavations to document and stabilize the architecture at the site."Thanks to the local report and prompt intervention, it was possible to identify part of a large, previously unknown Imperial-period villa and uncover a splendid array of decorations, as well as the discovery of a statue in fine white marble," Contino said in the statement.

The excavation revealed the atrium at the entrance of the villa, two rooms decorated with frescoes and mosaics, and several other spaces related to the agricultural activities of the large, rural house. The villa was likely built in the early first century and abandoned in the third century.

(Photo: Archaeologists work at an ancient Roman site revealing mosaic floors and frescoed walls of a villa. Image credit: Italian Ministry of Culture / Special Superintendency of Rome)

The atrium's central impluvium — a marble basin in the center of many ancient Roman houses that collected rainwater from an opening in the roof — was surrounded by a floor decorated with bands of black-and-white botanical and geometric mosaics. 

The rear wall of the room, about 5 feet (1.5 meters) of which was still preserved, was painted red as part of a fresco that featured multicolor panels with human figures and botanical elements.

Surrounding the large room were four smaller ones, three of which still have preserved mosaic floors. One room includes nine black-and-white geometric panels, another includes black octagons on a white background, and the third has black rectangles.

Within the villa's central basin, archaeologists found a broken statue, about 31 inches (80 centimeters) tall, depicting a bearded man wearing a short tunic and carrying a basket with birds and fruit. The statue may represent Silvanus, the Roman deity of woods and other uncultivated lands, who watched over domesticated flocks of animals. Silvanus was also a companion of Bacchus (known in Greek as Dionysus), the god of wine and ecstasy.

(PHOTO: Archaeologists discovered a statue of the ancient Roman deity Silvanus, guardian of the flocks. Image credit: Italian Ministry of Culture / Special Superintendency of Rome)

The scale of the villa and the quality of the mosaics and frescoes suggest that the villa's owners were Roman aristocrats and may have even been members of the imperial family, according to the statement. In the Roman Empire, elite families like the Aurelii and the Arrii — the paternal and maternal families of Antoninus Pius, who reigned from A.D. 138 to 161 — lived in Lorium. Ancient sources suggest that Antoninus Pius spent his childhood in Lorium, built his imperial palace there, and died there at age 74.

Further work on the villa and its artifacts will help archaeologists date the building more accurately and work out whether it was abandoned when the imperial household was relocated out of Lorium, according to the statement. 

Discovery: A mysterious, never-before-seen substance on Pluto and Titan

A new study using imagery from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has identified a very specific wavelength of light missing from both Pluto and Saturn's largest moon, Titan. The surprising signal suggests that these worlds harbor an unknown molecule that has not yet been seen anywhere in the solar system or beyond.

(Image: Researchers have detected an absorption line from an unknown molecule in the spectra of Titan (upper left) and Pluto (lower right). (The colorful spectrograph in this image is of the sun and is not part of the new study Image credit: Titan: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute; Pluto: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute; Spectrograph: NOAO/AURA/NSF; with annotations by Harry Baker)

James Webb telescope may have discovered a mysterious, never-before-seen substance on Pluto and Titan

LIVE SCIENCE< Harry Baker, July 2, 2026

A mysterious wavelength of light is missing from the dwarf planet Pluto and Saturn's supersized moon Titan, new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations show. The surprising discovery hints that these worlds harbor an unknown molecule that has not been seen in any other solar system world or exoplanet so far.

Every element or molecule in the universe absorbs unique wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, one of the main ways astronomers study distant worlds — both inside and outside the solar system — is by closely examining the light that reflects off them and searching for dark "absorption lines" that correspond to the wavelengths of known chemical compounds.

In a new study, uploaded June 11 to the preprint server arXiv, researchers analyzed JWST data from Pluto and Titan, focusing on very small wavelengths that have been relatively unexplored until now. This revealed a specific absorption line at around 5.11 micrometers in both worlds' spectra.

A molecular mystery 

The discovery is even stranger because there are very few similarities between Pluto and Titan that could explain why they share a molecule not found anywhere else.

Titan is the largest of Saturn's many moons and is even larger than Mercury. It is also the only solar system world, other than Earth, that is known to have liquid rivers and oceans on its surface. Pluto, on the other hand, is a completely frozen world that's around half the size of Titan and roughly four times farther from the sun than Saturn's satellite is.

Both worlds do have similar atmospheres that are rich in methane and nitrogen. However, the researchers are confident that the molecule responsible for the 5.11-micrometer absorption line is located on both worlds' surfaces, not in their atmospheres.

Pluto's absorption line is around three times thicker than Titan's, meaning the mystery molecule is likely much more abundant on the dwarf planet. 

But on Titan, the molecule seems to be unevenly distributed, with a stronger absorption line on its trailing side — the hemisphere opposite to its forward momentum around Saturn — than on its leading side.

The researchers proposed that it could be benzene — a ring-shaped hydrocarbon — mixed with an unknown molecule, or some form of acetylene or ketene ice. However, much more work is needed to prove that any of these potential candidates are responsible for absorbing this specific wavelength, they wrote.

NASA's Dragonfly spacecraft, which is set to launch no earlier than 2028 and fly through Titan's atmosphere in 2034, could eventually shed more light on the situation. The helicopter-like craft's onboard spectrograph could identify the mystery molecule on Saturn's moon, which would also help reveal if it is viable on Pluto, the researchers suggested. But in the meantime, we'll have to wait to unravel this curious cosmic conundrum.

Visit to Newburyport, Mass: Shipbuilding History, 1811 Fire

In today's blog we will tell you about our visit to Newburyport, Massachusetts, located in the northeastern part of the state. You'll learn about how the town became known as a shipbuilding center in the late 1700/early 1800s and an act created after a Great Fire in 1811 that changed the face of the downtown buildings. 

(Photo: Rob and Tom next to a sea captain statue in historic downtown Newburyport, Mass)

NEWBURYPORT IN THE 1860s - Some Of the highlights included the Market Landing Park and public boardwalk, Market Square the Custom House which is now the Maritime Museum The Inn Street at Fountain, and the Church of the First Religious Society. The Town is located on the Merrimack River so tall ships would come in and out in the 1860s.

INN STREET FOUNTAIN 

There's a fountain at Inn Street that is the symbol of Newberry Ports maritime history. It's in the historic district. 

(Photo: Of course there had to be a kid playing in the fountain when I was trying to get a picture. It was hot outside, though, so he gets a pass)

The fountain has bronze columns symbolic of wooden pilings and granite blocks salvage from the central waterfront along the Bamrimack River the granite blocks are arranged in the form of compass.

EARLY SHIPBUILDING - In the late 1700s and early 1800s shipbuilding and commerce in Newburyport rival that of Salem and Boston Massachusetts. Over about 100 years 2000 ships were built including  Clipper ships, square riggers, schooners and barques. 

(Image: The Donald McKay monster clipper of the Black Ball Line (Liverpool) of packets, 1856. Creator: W. J.  January 1856/Wikipedia) 

FATHER OF SHIPBUILDERS - Donald McKay (1810-1880) earned that title for his innovative and radical shipbuilding designs. He was the most famous Clipper Ship builder. 

WHAT HAPPENED TO SHIPBUILDING? - In the 1800s ship building declined when steam boats came along and the harbor was too small. Many different industries developed and the mills were created, and then Newburyport’s manufacturing suffered a long slow stagnation.

GREAT FIRE OF 1811 - The Great Fire of Newburyport on May 31, 1811, destroyed over 250 buildings, leveled 16 acres or 60% of the commercial center, and caused an estimated $1 million in damages. The fire began in a horse stable on Mechanics Row, spreading to Market Square and State Street and left about 90 families homeless. 

(Photo: All of the downtown buildings are brick since the 1811-12 Brick Act. Credit:RG)

OUT OF THE ASHES, THE BRICK ACT- Residents learned from the fire and created the  Brick Acts of 1811 and 1812: City leaders required all new downtown structures to be built from brick or stone with thick firewalls. 

1950s THROUGH 1970s - By the mid to late 1950s Massachusetts was trying to deal with the fading of the post-war economic boom, striking unions, rusting industrial complexes and fleeing manufacturers taking jobs with them as they left. The economy and historic downtown center was crumbling. The town was saved from neglect through the preservation and restoration of its historic downtown instead of wholesale demolition in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  For More on the Renewal of the town, visit: https://historynewburyport.com/renewal/ 

Idiot of the Week: 74 Year Old led troopers on wrong-way, high-speed chase

 You would think that once you reach 70 years on this planet you've learned how to behave. Sadly some people don't get that wisdom, like this week's idiot. He's a 74-year old who decided to speed, going the Wrong Way on a busy Cape Cod highway, and led police on a chase. Fortunately, he didn't kill anyone and was later caught. 

(Image: 1420AM WBSM radio)

Falmouth man, 74, arrested after police say he led troopers on wrong-way, high-speed chase over Bourne Bridge

Authorities say Armando Deleon led troopers on a 105 mph pursuit over the iconic Cape Cod bridge Thursday before barricading himself in his home. 

By Morgan Rousseau, Boston.com, July 4, 2026

A 74-year-old Falmouth man was held without bail Friday, July 3, 2026 after prosecutors said he led police on a 105 mph wrong-way chase across the Bourne Bridge (connecting to Cape Cod).

Armando Deleon was arraigned in Falmouth District Court on more than a dozen charges stemming from Thursday’s incident, according to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois.

The pursuit began shortly after state police responded to a medical emergency on Route 25 eastbound in Bourne. According to prosecutors, a dark-colored sedan abruptly swerved from the middle lane into the breakdown lane, coming close to striking a state trooper, two EMS personnel, and a patient who was lying on a stretcher.

Police said the driver continued traveling in the breakdown lane, prompting a trooper to turn on emergency lights and pursue the vehicle toward the Bourne Bridge.

Heavy traffic backed up for about three miles, forcing the car to stop near the top of the bridge, prosecutors said. As additional troopers approached and ordered the driver out of the vehicle, Deleon allegedly accelerated away, making contact with troopers before continuing eastbound.

Authorities said Deleon then drove the wrong way over the Bourne Bridge and into the Bourne Rotary before weaving through traffic at speeds of up to 105 mph in a 55 mph zone.

“At that time, the pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns and creating unsafe roadway conditions for innocent drivers,” prosecutors said in a press release.

Troopers identified Deleon as the driver and, along with Falmouth police officers, responded to his address.

“Ongoing efforts were made to get Mr. Deleon to surrender himself, but ultimately, he had barricaded himself inside the residence and law enforcement had to enter the home to remove him,” prosecutors said.

Deleon faces charges including willfully obstructing an emergency vehicle, speeding, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, marked lanes violations, breakdown lane violations, leaving the scene of personal injury, failing to slow for emergency vehicles, resisting arrest, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, possession of a Class B drug, and disorderly conduct.

A judge ordered Deleon held without bail due to dangerousness. He is scheduled to return to Falmouth District Court on Aug. 5 for a pretrial hearing.

In a statement, Galibois said he is “grateful for the swift, coordinated response of our law enforcement partners. Their decision-making and commitment to public safety was instrumental in bringing a potentially dire situation to a safe resolution.”