This weekend we mark the official beginning of Spring. While here in Vermont that means steam pluming up from "sugar shacks" where maple syrup is being made and sightings of a few brave Robins and early crocus, the real measure is, of course, the position of the Earth relative to the Sun. It is also a great time to practice Thinking Thermally!
The snow melt patterns are so clear now, for example, under the south sides of trees and buildings as the stored heat re-radiates back at night; snow on the north sides stubbornly remains, a fact with which I am intimately familiar as my yard all slops to the north and is likely to be snow covered for many more weeks.
Plants and animals are also responding to both the longer hours of light (or dark!) and the increased temperatures. Plants tend to grow first along the foundations due to the increased heat loss. Birds call from high in the branches of the trees where the sun first reaches to warm them. Even if places we might not imagine it to be, life picks up its pace as snow fleas jump around and vernal ponds begin to croak with frogs.
Thermographers? Yes, we too now have to deal with more sun—a problem during building inspections both inside and outside. We can also supplement our morning "winter" inspections with afternoon "summer" inspections! The best of all worlds.
We sometimes cut ourselves off from the reminders of what our natural world is doing. Hard to see the sun is, in fact, higher when we are inside at work or driving or watching TV. Promise yourself you'll get out in the next few days and greet Spring as it should be and why not do a bit of Thinking Thermally while you are at it!
Thermally Yours,
John
ASNT NDT Level III #48166
The Snell Group
www.thesnellgroup.com
www.thermalsolutions.org
800-636-9820