Archimedes of Syracuse was an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor whose principle of water displacement inspired the design of the World’s Coolest Rain Gauge®. He wrote about the discovery in his famous work On Floating Bodies — and more than 2,000 years later, here we are, still having fun watching things float in water.

Archimedes Backyard: Resources For The Modern Gardener

raindrops falling on pavement

What Does A Chance Of Rain Really Mean?

Does a 30% chance of rain mean rain for 30% of the day—or over 30% of your area? Neither. Here’s what rain percentages actually mean, what they don’t tell you...

What Does A Chance Of Rain Really Mean?

Does a 30% chance of rain mean rain for 30% of the day—or over 30% of your area? Neither. Here’s what rain percentages actually mean, what they don’t tell you...

person with umbrella in the rain

How Far Ahead Can We Really Predict the Weather?

How reliable is the weather forecast a week or two from now? Learn why forecasts become less certain over time, how atmospheric chaos affects prediction and what long-range forecasts can—and...

How Far Ahead Can We Really Predict the Weather?

How reliable is the weather forecast a week or two from now? Learn why forecasts become less certain over time, how atmospheric chaos affects prediction and what long-range forecasts can—and...

telegraph room

The History of Weather Forecasting: From Telegr...

Modern weather forecasting began with a surprising breakthrough: the telegraph. See how forecasting evolved from early observation networks and weather balloons to radar, satellites, computer models and today’s AI-powered forecasts.

The History of Weather Forecasting: From Telegr...

Modern weather forecasting began with a surprising breakthrough: the telegraph. See how forecasting evolved from early observation networks and weather balloons to radar, satellites, computer models and today’s AI-powered forecasts.

man watching clouds on rocky shore

How Did People Predict the Weather Before Moder...

Before weather apps, radar and satellites, people watched clouds, wind, sky color and even animals for clues about what was coming. Some old weather sayings are pure folklore—but others have...

How Did People Predict the Weather Before Moder...

Before weather apps, radar and satellites, people watched clouds, wind, sky color and even animals for clues about what was coming. Some old weather sayings are pure folklore—but others have...

rain soaked road and field

How Does Rain Become Groundwater—and How Long C...

Where does rain go after it soaks into the ground? Learn how rainfall becomes groundwater, recharges aquifers, and can remain underground for thousands—or even millions—of years.  

How Does Rain Become Groundwater—and How Long C...

Where does rain go after it soaks into the ground? Learn how rainfall becomes groundwater, recharges aquifers, and can remain underground for thousands—or even millions—of years.  

rain running down a sidewalk

Where Does Rain Go After It Falls?

Where does rain go after it hits the ground? Follow a raindrop as it moves through soil, plants, groundwater, streams and rivers—and eventually returns to the atmosphere through the water...

Where Does Rain Go After It Falls?

Where does rain go after it hits the ground? Follow a raindrop as it moves through soil, plants, groundwater, streams and rivers—and eventually returns to the atmosphere through the water...