01/02/2010

New Pages Added

We are happy to annouce that we have added two new features to this site: 'Gadget of the Week' and 'Top Tip of the Week'. Both are located on the Book page which can be accessed by clicking on the book cover to the left.

08/02/2010

Recent UFO sightings over Halton

In recent weeks we have been receiving reports of formations of strange orange lights drifting through the skies of Runcorn and Widnes.

Described as orange/red in colour these formations of lights convinced some residents that some form of UFO invasion was taking place.

After checking the local weather conditions, in particular, comparing the direction and speed of the objects against the wind conditions at the times of the sightings, we are happy to conclude that the 'UFO's are merely fire balloons (also known as Chinese Lanterns).

The above picture, taken on New Year's eve in Warrington by photographer Malcolm Cuthbert, shows a formation of fire balloons slowly drifting along with the breeze, which nicely illustrates the kind of sights that have greeted Halton's skywatchers in recent weeks.

Although setting off fire balloons is considered a fun passtime, they do pose a serious fire hazard to the surrounding countryside, especially in summer months when the ground is tinder dry. In addition, they also pose a threat to the welfare of animals, particularly cows, who are attracted to eating crashed balloon skeletons because of the bamboo they contain. This can cause damage to windpipes and stomachs, ulltimately leading to death. We urge you to keep the skies fire balloon free. 

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