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The "Hong Kong Observatory Calendar 2006" is now on sale. At $40 a copy, the calendar is available at the Publications Sales Unit of the Information Services Department, the Kowloon Map Publications Centre of the Lands Department, and the Hong Kong Observatory Resource Centre.
An electronic book-ordering service for this calendar is also available at the online Government Bookstore at http://bookstore.esdlife.com. Details about the online Government Bookstore can be obtained through the telephone enquiry service of the Information Services Department at 2537 1910.
The Hong Kong Observatory Resource Centre is located at Units 2304-2309, 23/F Miramar Tower, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The telephone number of the Resource Centre is 2926 8250.
The "Hong Kong Observatory Calendar 2006" has adopted the theme of the World Meteorological Day on March 23, 2006, that is, "Preventing and Mitigating Natural Disasters". In his message to the public in the calendar, the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr CY Lam, emphasises that climate change had brought about more frequent occurrences of extreme weather in one form or another. He appeals to everyone to beware of unfamiliar hazards, to be prudent in disaster risk management and factor in evolving vulnerability associated with climate change in response measures.
The calendar features photographs of clouds taken by staff of the Hong Kong Observatory at various locations in the territory and under different weather conditions, including the fair weather cumuli, the uncommon funnel cloud and the stratocumulus lenticularis which resemble castles in the air. Cloud observation used to be an essential element of weather forecasting prior to the invention of weather radar and satellites. By observing the sky and taking note that certain cloud types heralded stormy weather, forecasters could predict inclement weather.
The calendar also contains useful information including rising/setting times of the sun and moon, tide and monthly climatological information. Telephone numbers and websites with weather and geophysical information are also listed.
This beautifully printed and attractively presented calendar would be an excellent gift for friends and relatives for Christmas and the New Year.
Ends/Saturday, December 10, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:11
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