World Meteorological Day (March 23) & Aristotle

World Meteorological Day, observed annually on March 23rd, commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. This specialized agency of the United Nations plays a crucial role in promoting international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related fields. The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about weather and climate-related challenges and the importance of accurate weather forecasts for our daily lives.

For World Meteorological Day, we remember Aristotle, the father of scientific meteorology (among many other things). Aristotle wrote the treatise Meteorologica (Meteor means “things high up” and logia means “the study of” – the study of things high up) thus establishing Meteorology as a science. Most of Meteorologica has since been disproved with time as science advanced, but the idea of Meteorology was born there.

Let’s delve into the fascinating history of World Meteorological Day and explore how the foundations of meteorology were laid by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.

The Birth of Meteorology: Aristotle’s Insights

To understand the origins of meteorology, we must turn our gaze back to ancient Greece, where the polymath Aristotle made significant contributions to our understanding of the natural world. His treatise titled “Meteorologica” stands as the earliest comprehensive work on meteorology.

Aristotle’s Theories and Observations

1. The Universe Is Spherical: Aristotle posited that the universe is spherical, a radical idea at the time. He believed that celestial bodies moved in circular orbits around the Earth. This concept laid the groundwork for understanding the Earth’s position within the cosmos.
2. The Earth’s Inner Core and Heavenly Orbits: According to Aristotle, the Earth’s inner core was composed of heavenly bodies’ orbits. He envisioned two distinct regions:
   • Celestial Region: Beyond the Moon’s orbit.
   • Terrestrial Region-Sphere: The Moon’s tendency to orbit around the Earth.
3. The Four-Element Theory: Aristotle proposed that the terrestrial region consisted of four fundamental elements:
   • Water
   • Earth
   • Fire
   • Air
   These elements formed concentric strata, with Earth at the center and the Moon on the outermost layer. Their interactions led to various natural phenomena.
4. Weather Phenomena and Interchange:
   • Heat from the Sun interacting with cold water created air and mist.
   • Evaporation, earthquakes, and other weather events were part of Aristotle’s observations.

Methodical Approach and Influence

• Methodical Reasoning: Unlike some of his contemporaries who relied on inferences, Aristotle approached meteorology methodically. He drew deductive inferences from observed weather phenomena, shaping his theories based on both empirical evidence and logical reasoning.
• Legacy and Influence: Despite its ancient origins, Meteorologica profoundly impacted Western civilization. It served as the foundation for subsequent meteorological texts until the 17th century. Scholars, poets, historians, and even Egyptian physicians contributed to Aristotle’s findings, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge.
• Arabic Compendium and Renaissance: An Arabic compendium called al-‘Athar al-`Ulwiyyah, produced around 800 CE, circulated among Muslim scholars. Gerard of Cremona translated it into Latin in the 12th century, introducing Aristotle’s insights to medieval scholasticism in Western Europe.

World Meteorological Day and Aristotle’s legacy

As we celebrate World Meteorological Day, let us recognize the enduring legacy of Aristotle’s work. His curiosity, systematic approach, and insights continue to shape our understanding of weather and the natural world. From ancient Greece to the modern WMO, meteorology remains a vital science that impacts our lives every day.