On March 17, everyone’s a little bit Irish?and for the day, green is definitely the new black, whether in clothing or hair colour or decorations or food. One of the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happens in Chicago, whose time-honoured tradition of turning the Chicago River green has been going strong for over 40 years. But unusual displays of green aren’t limited to a day in March, and they’re often naturally occurring. This week’s links take us on a tour of unexpected greenness.
Green rivers are more than merely a local tradition or a silly prank: certain algae blooms can give water a vibrant emerald tint. And although they might look toxic, these ?green pools? are home to an abundance of plant and animal life, and the interactions among them might actually, to a limited extent, help support the health of the whole planet.
Potatoes are a quintessential Irish staple, but green potatoes aren’t really something to celebrate. This article, from Purdue University, cuts through the fact and fiction surrounding the unnatural colour.
Visible at sunrise and sunset but only under limited conditions, the green flash is an elusive optical phenomenon That’s sought after by weather buffs, tourists, and photographers alike. This video captures the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it event.
Move over, Maleficent; this tutorial shows how to make a relatively long-burning green fire in your own backyard. With certain safety precautions, you can impress guests at a party or just enjoy your own St. Patty’s Day?or any day?chemistry experiment.