In The NEWS

Atmospheric Conditions
Climatology, explained
Climatology is the science of climate, or the study of long-term atmospheric conditions across Earth. Unlike meteorology, which uses data to predict weather over several days, climate science focuses on identifying patterns across 55 essential climate variables over periods of 30 or more years. These patterns help climatologists better understand the interactions between Earth’s systems and refine computational models to predict future phenomena.

Climate variable data, including temperature via the thermometer and air pressure via the barometer, have been directly collected and recorded since the 1600s. Data from before this instrumentation was invented can be obtained by analyzing climate proxies—materials that preserve past climate conditions.

This data is used to test the accuracy of climate models—created by applying the laws of physics to Earth's systems—before they are run on supercomputers to project future conditions.

... Read our full explainer on climatology here.

Also, check out ...
> Earth has shifted between extreme warming and cooling periods for 500 million years. (More)
> Climate models have predicted sea level change almost perfectly for 30 years. (More)
> Layers in Earth's sediment hold clues to Earth's climate. (More)



Streamer-in-Chief
Netflix, 101
Netflix is the dominant streaming platform today, with more than 300 million subscribers. It pioneered the "bingeable" format after starting as a DVD rental company and now produces and releases hundreds of original shows and movies each year.

The company was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph and spent its first decade oscillating between survival and growth. It survived the dot-com bubble, went public in 2002, and emerged victorious in fierce competition with Blockbuster. As high-speed internet became pervasive, the company began streaming content directly to subscribers, letting them watch movies and TV shows instantly instead of waiting for DVDs by mail.

The company began offering original content in 2013, and launched its first prestige drama with “House of Cards.” Hit franchises that followed included “Stranger Things” and “The Crown,” among many others.

... Read our full write-up on the streamer here.

Also, check out ...
> How binge-watching was the result of a competition. (More)
> The complex infrastructure initiated by pressing "play" on Netflix. (More)
> Why Netflix's movies seem so similar. (More)

SOURCE:  1440 NEWS