(Photo by: Vaughn Wheat)

JCCC has a new addition on campus, but it’s something you might not see right away. Right on top of the Billington library is the brand new weather station.

“You can see it on the science building when you go outside, next to the stairs,” Professor Eric Zautner told me.

The station comes as the new Introduction to Meteorology course (GEOS 160) is also offered on campus, and Professor Eric Zautner was kind enough to give me the background about the course, the new station, and its functions.

JCCC’s Geosciences was able to secure funding with the support from Physical Sciences and the Science Division. The faculty was able to consult experts from meteorology programs from across the nation, as well as weather stations locally. The RainWise weather station was chosen after meticulous research and its user-friendly integration with the Ambient Weather Network (AWN). AWN gives access to a wide array of meteorological data including temperature, dew point, precipitation, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. This allows students to study how weather forecasts are created and develop their own forecasts using real-time data that is collected on campus.

Zautner explained his students’ journal weather project. Each week throughout the semester, students’ make three observations, record the stats they produce, and write a summary of their findings. This is to develop students’ knowledge around the subject and incorporate concepts they have learned over the course of the semester. You can access the data as well by going to AmbientWeather.net and searching up the campus location. There is also an app available on IOS and Android devices.

“For example, you could see live rainfall amounts; we got 1/100th of an inch this morning, especially this fall as stronger cold fronts come through. You can literally watch the temperature drop per hour,” Zautner explained.

If you’re interested in learning more about this scientific instrument, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. in LIB 204 . For more information, check out library.jccc.edu/events. Zautner will be there and will be speaking as well. This new instrument, as well as the course, is a great opportunity for those interested in meteorology or have a general interest in science. JCCC continues to improve its curriculum and make itself a more versatile institution.