Chasing Tornadoes Topic of March Kaler Science Lecture

Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard will discuss storm-chasing misconceptions

The William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College is hosting a lecture about extreme weather.

Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard will present "Chasing Tornadoes: It's Not What You Think!" for the James Kaler Science Lecture Series on Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door, and Friends of the Staerkel Planetarium are admitted for free.

Pritchard will explain why tornadoes form more easily in North America and offer tips to stay safe during severe weather. He will also clear up misconceptions about storm-chasing and share some of his videos of recent tornadoes.

Pritchard is a Parkland College alumnus and earned a BS in Meteorology at Northern Illinois University. He operates Chambana Weather, providing weather forecasts of east central Illinois each day for local media such as WILL. He also works for Nutrien Ag Solutions, studying the effects of weather around the globe on production agriculture.

After the presentation, the Staerkel Planetarium will premiere the fulldome feature, "The Hot and Energetic Universe," at 8 p.m. Tickets for regular programs range from $5 to $6 per person. Please visit parkland.edu/planetarium for the show schedule or call 217/351-2568 for information about booking the dome.