Joe Rao

Joe Rao is Space.com's skywatching columnist, as well as a veteran meteorologist and eclipse chaser who also serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmers' Almanac, and other publications. Joe is an 8-time Emmy-nominated meteorologist who served the Putnam Valley region of New York for over 21 years. You can find him on Twitter and YouTube tracking lunar and solar eclipses, meteor showers, and more. To find out Joe's latest project, visit him on Twitter.

Biography:  https://www.space.com/author/joe-rao

77%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermines the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
Analysis.OverallConflictOfInterestScore * 0.3F + Analysis.OverallBiasScore * 0.3F + Analysis.DeceptivenessScore * 0.3F + Analysis.ReadabilityScore * 0.1F

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

88%

Examples:

  • The author occasionally uses sensationalism (e.g., describing the total solar eclipse as a 'bucket list' event), but overall provides objective reporting.

Conflicts of Interest

75%

Examples:

  • The author serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium, which could potentially influence their reporting.

Contradictions

86%

Examples:

  • In one out of every three years, bright moonlight hinders the view of this meteor display and this is one of those years
  • Peak meteor count can reach up to 100 per hour
  • The path of totality is a narrow zone in the southern and eastern United States

Deceptions

65%

Examples:

  • The author uses sensationalism (e.g., describing the total solar eclipse as a 'bucket list' event), but overall provides objective reporting.

Recent Articles

Witnessing the Perseid Meteor Shower: A Guide to Maximizing Your Viewing Experience

Witnessing the Perseid Meteor Shower: A Guide to Maximizing Your Viewing Experience

Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024 Experience the Perseid meteor shower's fast and bright shooting stars during peak nights on August 12 and 13. Originated from debris left by Swift-Tuttle comet, up to 50-100 meteors per hour can be seen under optimal conditions. Find a dark place, best time is second week of August when Earth encounters richer meteoric activity in the Perseus constellation. Utilize online resources for live streams and expert analysis if unable to observe in person.
Total Solar Eclipse in North America on April 8, 2024: What You Need to Know

Total Solar Eclipse in North America on April 8, 2024: What You Need to Know

Broke On: Wednesday, 31 January 2024 On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur in parts of North America. The path of totality includes Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and New York while Vermont can witness a partial solar eclipse. Drawings and photographs can be made to showcase the moon's progress across the solar disk while observers with small telescopes can try to time when the first and last instants of visibility occur.
The Quadrantid Meteor Shower: A Guide to Seeing One of Nature's Most Spectacular Displays

The Quadrantid Meteor Shower: A Guide to Seeing One of Nature's Most Spectacular Displays

Broke On: Wednesday, 03 January 2024
    The Quadrantid Meteor Shower is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year from the end of December to mid-January. It produces up to 110 shooting stars per hour and is often considered one of the strongest meteor showers of the entire year.

    Leonids Meteor Shower Set to Peak with Mixed Expectations

    Broke On: Thursday, 16 November 2023 The Leonids meteor shower is set to peak this weekend. The meteor shower is a result of dust particles from the comet Tempel Tuttle. The Leonids can produce around 15 shooting stars per hour under clear conditions. The meteors appear to originate from the constellation Leo the Lion. The best viewing locations are safe and dark areas away from city lights.

    Hunter's Moon and Jupiter Dazzle in Night Sky

    Broke On: Saturday, 28 October 2023 The full Hunter's Moon appeared larger and more orange due to its proximity to the horizon. Jupiter was visible in close proximity to the moon. The Hunter's Moon was partially eclipsed.

    Hunter's Moon and Jupiter Dazzle in Night Sky

    Broke On: Saturday, 28 October 2023 The full Hunter's Moon appeared larger and more orange due to its proximity to the horizon. Jupiter was visible in close proximity to the moon. The Hunter's Moon was partially eclipsed.

    Partial Lunar Eclipse, Known as Hunter's Moon, to Occur on October 27, 2023

    Broke On: Friday, 27 October 2023 A partial lunar eclipse, also known as the Hunter's Moon, will occur on October 27, 2023. The eclipse will be visible to observers in North America, South America, parts of Asia, and Australia. The Earth's shadow will cover approximately 82% of the moon, causing it to appear red or coppery in color. The term 'Hunter's Moon' is traditionally given to the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon.

    Partial Lunar Eclipse Coincides with Full Hunter's Moon on October 26, 2023

    Broke On: Thursday, 26 October 2023 A partial lunar eclipse is set to occur on October 26, 2023. The eclipse coincides with the full Hunter's Moon. The event will be visible from North and South America, Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. In Thailand, the eclipse will be visible on Sunday, October 27, due to the time difference. The partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon but not completely.

    Partial Lunar Eclipse Coincides with Full Hunter's Moon

    Broke On: Saturday, 28 October 2023 A partial lunar eclipse coincided with the full Hunter's Moon on October 28. The event was visible in many parts of the United States and other parts of the world. Tips for photographing the event included using a tripod, adjusting the exposure and focus manually, and using the phone's optical zoom feature.