Latest news with #Peterson
Scientific American
33 minutes ago
- Climate
- Scientific American
515-Mile-Long Lightning Megaflash Sets New World Record
Guinness World Records may be the go-to organization for measuring the extent of (sometimes dubious) human achievement, but for natural phenomena, the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO's) Committee on Weather and Climate Extremes sets the bar. Recently the committee certified a new record: the longest lightning strike ever measured. The bolt, which materialized on a stormy day in October 2017, spanned a total of 515 miles from East Texas to an area near Kansas City. When a potentially record-breaking weather event occurs, it gets passed to the committee, where a panel of scientists and other experts assesses whether the event truly represents a new record. If the panel votes to approve it, the record is entered into the WMO's World Weather and Climate Extremes Archive. Michael Peterson, an atmospheric scientist at the Severe Storms Research Center at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, flagged the new record-holder last year while reanalyzing 2017 satellite data. Recording such extreme weather events can help us develop new tools to predict severe storms and understand their behavior, he says. The previous record-holder, a bolt of lightning measuring 477 miles that struck during a storm in 2020, also originated in Texas. This is no coincidence, Peterson says. The south-central Great Plains in the U.S. represent one of few hotspots in the world for the giant complexes of thunderstorms in which these superlong 'megaflashes' are most likely to occur. These complexes arise when many smaller storms coalesce into one large system. The 2017 complex spanned all the way from Texas to Minnesota. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Megaflashes often produce cloud-to-ground offshoots along their length. In fact, Peterson says, the 2017 flash produced more than 116 subsidiary strikes during the seven seconds it lasted, from start to finish. A typical lightning strike is visible for about half a second; the record-holder for the longest-lasting strike clocked in at more than 17 seconds. Strikes are measured using a combination of satellite technology and ground-based lightning mapping arrays—networks of sensors that record the radio signals produced by lightning. With increasingly powerful and accurate technology, Peterson and his colleagues are beginning to get better data about these storms to understand exactly what makes them tick. For instance, Peterson says, the researchers are investigating unusual, especially powerful forms of lightning and ones whose charge lasts particularly long (that is, a few hundred milliseconds) in the ground after they strike. 'It is a very exciting time to be in lightning science,' he says.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
‘Porch pirate' seen on video took package with medical supplies, Rockdale authorities say
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office said an unidentified male suspect was seen stealing a package from a front porch on July 4. The theft occurred around 5 a.m. The package contained needed medical supplies, authorities said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigator N. Peterson is handling the case and is seeking assistance from the public to identify the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Peterson at 770-278-8036 or via email at The investigation is ongoing, and authorities hope to recover the stolen medical items with the help of public tips. TRENDING STORIES: 'The only place I've ever called home': Walton County family sues after home sold using forged deed Georgia officials say more than 15,000 families applied for Georgia Promise vouchers Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's not running for governor [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Solve the daily Crossword
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Former Army G-8 Chief Lieutenant General Erik C. Peterson Joins Quantifind to Advance AI-Powered National Security Missions
Decorated U.S. Army leader brings three decades of military command and strategy to strengthen Quantifind's expanding role in safeguarding America's most critical missions. PALO ALTO, Calif., July 29, 2025 /CNW/ -- Quantifind, the leader in AI-driven risk intelligence solutions, today announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Erik C. Peterson (U.S. Army, Retired) to its advisory board. The addition of General Peterson marks a strategic milestone in Quantifind's deepening commitment to national security, as the company continues to power mission-critical insights for US government agencies. A highly decorated officer, General Peterson retired from active duty after serving more than 35 years in the United States Army. He most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, advising the Army's top leadership on strategy, modernization, and resource integration. His leadership spanned roles in aviation, special operations, and force development, expertise that aligns directly with Quantifind's role supporting rapid threat detection and strategic decision-making at scale. "Quantifind's AI solutions power our mission to protect the defense industrial base from foreign and criminal threats," said Ari Tuchman, CEO and Co-founder of Quantifind. "It is an honor to work with Lieutenant General Peterson, whose operational experience with requirements, material modernization, and supporting supply chains will help us deliver our technology into the critical defense and intelligence workflows in which hidden malign covert networks can be most damaging." Quantifind's AI platform enables real-time discovery and triage of high-risk entities by integrating open-source data and public records. Government agencies use Quantifind to uncover hidden networks, trace illicit flows, and operationalize data in defense of democratic institutions and global stability. "I've spent my career leading warfighters and advising national security leaders to succeed in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment," said Lieutenant General Erik C. Peterson. "Quantifind delivers a capability to address this complex environment and maintain competitive advantage—data-driven insights with accuracy, speed, and scalability. I'm encouraged by forward-leaning technologies such as these as the nation sprints to outpace malign interests." Quantifind has steadily expanded its federal impact through partnerships with federal civilian, defense, and law enforcement agencies. With scalable technology, deep subject-matter expertise, responsive problem-solving, and a commitment to ethical AI, Quantifind is rapidly becoming a trusted partner to those on the front lines of safeguarding national interests. About Quantifind Quantifind is the leader in threat intelligence automation, providing purpose-built solutions that transform how organizations detect and mitigate risk. The Graphyte™ platform serves as an essential AI co-pilot, delivering real-time, accurate risk assessments by integrating internal data with complex, unstructured public information to uncover hidden threats and reduce false positives with unprecedented accuracy, speed, and scale. This empowers organizations to collaborate with trusted entities, focus on critical risks, and strengthen compliance with greater confidence and precision. Media Contact: SOURCE Quantifind
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: Drew Peterson given an additional 40 years in prison
Today is Tuesday, July 29, the 210th day of 2025. There are 155 days left in the year. Today in history: On July 29, 2016, former Bolingbrook police officer Drew Peterson was given an additional 40 years in prison for trying to hire someone to kill the prosecutor who put him behind bars for killing his third wife. Timeline: The Drew Peterson caseAlso on this date: In 1836, the newly completed Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in Paris. In 1858, the United States and Japan signed the Harris Treaty, formalizing diplomatic relations and trading rights between the two countries. In 1890, artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. In 1914, transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. became operational with the first test conversation between New York and San Francisco. In 1921, Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party. In 1954, the first volume of JRR Tolkien's novel 'The Lord of the Rings' ('The Fellowship of the Ring') was published. In 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency was established. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating NASA. In 1967, an accidental rocket launch on the deck of the supercarrier USS Forrestal in the Gulf of Tonkin resulted in a fire and explosions that killed 134 service members. In 1981, Britain's Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in a glittering ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. (They divorced in 1996.) In 1986, a federal jury in New York found that the National Football League had committed an antitrust violation against the rival United States Football League, but the jury ordered the NFL to pay token damages of just three dollars. In 1994, abortion opponent Paul Hill shot and killed Dr. John Bayard Britton and Britton's escort, James H. Barrett, outside the Ladies Center clinic in Pensacola, Florida. In 1999, a former day trader, apparently upset over stock losses, opened fire in two Atlanta brokerage offices, killing nine people and wounding 13 before shooting himself; authorities said Mark O. Barton had also killed his wife and two children. In 2021, American Sunisa Lee won the gold medal in women's all-around gymnastics at the Tokyo Games; she was the fifth straight American woman to claim the Olympic title in the event. Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker is 93. Former Sen. Elizabeth H. Dole is 89. Artist Jenny Holzer is 75. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is 72. Style guru Tim Gunn is 72. Rock singer-musician Geddy Lee (Rush) is 72. Rock singer Patti Scialfa (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) is 72. Actor Alexandra Paul is 62. Country singer Martina McBride is 59. Actor Wil Wheaton is 53. R&B singer Wanya Morris (Boyz II Men) is 52. Actor Stephen Dorff is 52. Actor Josh Radnor is 51. Hip-hop DJ/music producer Danger Mouse is 48. NFL quarterback Dak Prescott is 32.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
David Peterson's escape act edges Mets over Giants in sixth straight win
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free SAN FRANCISCO — David Peterson encountered more traffic than the Bay Bridge in rush hour, but was resourceful enough Saturday night to record outs when the Mets needed them. There was continual pressure on the left-hander. And whether he needed a double play or strikeout, the result followed. Peterson's escape act lasted for six innings, long enough for the Mets to rally and win their sixth straight, 2-1 over the Giants at Oracle Park. The Mets, who remained a half-game ahead of the Phillies for first place in the NL East, will shoot Sunday for a second straight series sweep. With a victory, the Mets would match their longest winning streak of the season. Peterson allowed 11 base runners over his six innings, but surrendered only one run. It was the 13th time this season Peterson lasted at least six innings. Mets starters overall have pitched at least six innings only 31 times in 105 games. 5 New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Peterson, who threw 91 pitches, lowered his ERA to 2.83 with a fourth straight start in which he lasted at least six innings and allowed one or no earned runs. All eight of the hits he allowed on this night were singles. The key Mets hit was delivered by Mark Vientos, who stroked a two-run double in the sixth to erase the team's 1-0 deficit. Overall, the Mets went only 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek and Edwin Díaz each fired a scoreless inning in relief. Díaz, who got the final two outs with the tying run at second base, recorded his 22nd save in 24 chances. Pete Alonso's lunging grab on Patrick Bailey's line drive ended it, completing a second straight superb defensive performance by the Mets first baseman. 5 Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Francisco Alvarez gave the Mets their best chance early with a two-out triple to right field — Luis Matos misjudged the ball and then misplayed it — but Tyrone Taylor struck out to end the threat. The Mets loaded the bases with nobody out in the fourth against Robbie Ray but didn't score: Vientos struck out before Alvarez grounded into an inning-ending double play. Alonso singled leading off the inning and Starling Marte doubled him to third before Brett Baty's infield roller to first base (which easily could have been ruled an error) turned into a single, with Alonso holding. Peterson allowed consecutive singles to Willy Adames and Matt Chapman to begin the bottom of the frame and a one-out walk to Casey Schmitt loaded the bases. Jung Hoo Lee's ensuing RBI fielder's choice gave the Giants a 1-0 lead. 5 Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a double in the top of the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on July 26, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Getty Images Two innings earlier Peterson got Matos to ground into an inning-ending double play after Wilmer Flores and Lee each singled in the inning. Peterson also received an inning-ending double play in the first: Chapman hit a line drive that Vientos snagged and threw to second, catching Rafael Devers off the base. Baty scooped Vientos' throw from the dirt to complete the play. In the fifth, Peterson struck out three batters —including Chapman to end the inning after Heliot Ramos' single and a walk to Adames. 5 Mark Vientos hits a two-run double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants. AP 5 Juan Soto, right, celebrates with Francisco Alvarez, left, after scoring against the San Francisco Giants. AP Juan Soto walked leading off the sixth and stole second — the Mets' 26th consecutive successful attempt, the longest such streak this season in MLB — and Marte walked before Vientos delivered a two-run double that gave the Mets a 2-1 lead. Ryan Walker replaced Ray and walked Alvarez and Taylor to load the bases before striking out Nimmo on three pitches, all of which were called strikes. Peterson caught a break in the sixth when the slow-footed Flores was thrown out to begin the inning trying to stretch a single into a double after hitting a shot off Baty's glove. Nimmo fielded the ball in foul territory and threw a strike to Luisangel Acuña to nail Flores.
