World of Phenomena

Aurora above the Earth – Photo Credit: NASA

The world and universe are filled with tremendously diverse and amazing natural wonders and events, often referred to as phenomena. These wonders and events are observed and experienced by us every day, even though we may not be noticing them. The goal of this website is to explore them and attempt to explain how and why they occur, and what significance they have in the natural world.

News

Jupiter and Saturn are about to do something not seen since the Middle Ages November 24, 2020 6:05 am (WOLO) – If you look to the night sky, Jupiter and Saturn can be seen fairly close to each other. Jupiter is a bit brighter with Saturn following to its left. The two largest planets in our solar system are about to get even closer. A view showing how the …
'A Magically Surreal Symbol of Human Ingenuity': Scientists Reflect on Arecibo’s Doomed Big Dish November 24, 2020 5:37 am Aerial view of the big dish and platform, showing the Arecibo Observatory prior to the recent damage. Image: NIAC The big dish at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is on the verge of collapse, leaving officials with no choice but to retire the famous …
Syria: The SRTF Approves Four Projects and Interventions for EUR 8 Million in Northern Aleppo and Ar-Raqqa November 24, 2020 5:05 am Amman – Monday, 23rd November 2020 – The SRTF is pleased to announce the approval of two projects and two stabilization interventions, at a total budget of EUR 8 million, in northern Aleppo and Ar-Raqqa, respectively. These new projects and interventions …

Definitions

1. Phenomena can be defined as events, occurrences or happenings in the world around us. These events can be either spiritual or natural, and can also refer to physical sensations felt by a person.

2. Another definition relates to exceptional occurrences or people. An example of this would be to state “Babe Ruth was a baseball phenomenon.”

3. A third definition is related to several types of illnesses. The primary instance is Reynaud’s Disease, which is also known as Reynaud’s Phenomenon.

This website focuses on the first definition listed above; specifically those types of events that are found in the natural world.

Phenomena vs. Phenomenon

Phenomena is simply the plural form of Phenomenon, meaning more than one. Below are two examples of these words in sentences to help illustrate the subtle difference in usage:

1. Jacob saw a shooting star streaking through the night sky. It was a magnificent phenomenon.

2. Jacob saw hundreds of shooting stars streaking through the night sky. They were magnificent phenomena.

What are Natural Phenomena?

These are events or happenings that occur in nature, our world, solar system and universe. They come in many shapes and sizes. They shape our world, our news and lives. A few quick examples of these natural events include aurora, fog, moon halos and tsunamis. Some natural phenomena, like gravity and magnetism, cannot be seen, but are very real and critical to life on Earth.

Types of Natural Phenomena

These events can be broken down into various categories. This website breaks them down into six main categories:

1. Geological

2. Weather

3. Ocean

4. Space

5. Atmospheric Optical

6. Electromagnetic

Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electromagnetic Fields
Static Electricity
Doppler Effect
Speed of Light
Reflection and Refraction

These categories are subjective and at times an event could be placed into another category. In each category, you will find examples of events that are related to that respective category.