Groundhogs as Scientists?

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Darren Chase

While dealing with the difficulties of a winter day, it seems hopeful to look for a positive prediction from a groundhog, but in actuality, groundhogs are not the most reliable forecasters of weather outcomes. The National Climatic Data Center has been studiously tracking groundhog predictions and found they are correct only 45% of the time. More reliable sources of data can be accessed from SBU Library’s subject guide to the Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Information Center (MASIC) which includes links to the National Climate Data Center, as well as a number of scholarly atmospheric organizations. SBU Libraries also offer a branch MASIC library in Challenger Hall on the Stony Brook west campus. So while it is still fun to follow Punxsutawney Phil and his furry brethren, for reliable atmospheric data, SBU Libraries are the smart place to go.