The Journal

Thoughts, knowledge and news from the wonderful world of tides and astronomy.

The Enigmatic Legacy of Russia's Nuclear-Powered Lighthouses

23/02/2024

Discover the history of Russia's nuclear-powered lighthouses: from Soviet innovation for Arctic safety, through abandonment and environmental risks, to present-day international security efforts and their legacy.

The Moon Phases Explained

10/12/2023

Dive into the captivating world of moon phases. Understand how they look different from the Southern Hemisphere, despite being the same phase, and uncover the secrets behind this celestial phenomenon.

A Hunter's moon is coming, but what is it and why is it important?

26/10/2023

The Hunter's Moon, poised to grace our skies on October 28th, 2023, offers an intriguing celestial spectacle. This article delves into the mysteries surrounding the Hunter's Moon, unravels its historical significance, and provides valuable insights on how to observe this lunar phenomenon.

Celtic Sea Salt Uncovered: The Ancient Technique That Could Save the Planet

18/10/2023

Ever tasted the unique flavour of Celtic sea salt and wondered why it's different? Often dubbed the 'grey gold' of France's coasts, this salt isn't just about its taste - it's about an age-old method steeped in tradition. And guess what? It could also be our answer to a more sustainable future. Let's take a deep dive!

Surfing the Natural Wave: the Phenomenon of the Severn Bore

02/10/2023

Experience the thrill of nature with our expert guide to the Severn Bore phenomenon. Dive deep into the science behind this natural wonder, explore the unique surfing experiences it offers, and join the community celebrating this spectacular tidal wave. Learn more about the frequencies, ideal viewing spots, and how to ride the longest wave in the UK while preserving its breathtaking environment

How the Bay of Fundy has the World's Greatest Tidal Range

18/09/2023

The Bay of Fundy, located between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is renowned for having the highest tidal range in the world. But how has this happened?

Spring and Neap tides 2024

01/09/2023

Find out when the Spring and Neap tides will occur through 2024.

Venice - a city with an uncertain future

15/07/2023

From the gradual sinking of the Adriatic plate to rising sea levels, the historic city of venice is under threat. Let's explore what's being done to save it

Once in a blue moon - what does it mean?

16/06/2023

We've all heard the saying, but what does "once in a blue moon" mean and where does it come from?

How are tide times and heights predicted?

12/06/2023

The changing tides are accurately predictable, way into the future. In this article, we explore how they are predicted and what impacts tide times and heights.

What is a riptide?

05/06/2023

In this article, we will explore what riptides are, how to identify them, and the essential steps to take if you encounter one.

What would happen if the ice caps melted?

30/05/2023

In this article, we explore what the world would look like if the ice caps melted, and the impact on biodiversity, humanity and weather patterns.

10 places you should dive in Europe

24/05/2023

In this article, we will explore ten breathtaking European coastal locations that are perfect for diving adventures.

El NiƱo and La NiƱa, their impact on ocean temperature and global warming

17/05/2023

In this article, we explore El NiƱo and La NiƱa and what impact they have on climate change and the temperatures of our oceans and seas

How to add tide times to your website

06/05/2023

Whether you're part of a fishing, sailing or diving club, or maybe you have a seaside hotel or B&B, adding tide times helps keep your audience safe.

What is quicksand and what to do if you get stuck

05/05/2023

Quicksand is natural phenomenon that occurs on beaches all over the world. Getting stuck can be deadly so we explore what to do to escape its grip.

What's the difference between a sea and an ocean?

01/05/2023

The terms 'sea' and 'ocean' are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In this article, we expore the differences.

What causes a hurricane?

25/04/2023

Hurricanes are one of the most destructive forces known to man, a force which we're observing with greater frequency, but what causes them?

How Climate Change will affect our seas

22/04/2023

Climate change is one of the most significant global challenges that we face today, and it has the potential to cause severe consequences for our planet. We explore the impact on our seas.

How to use the tides to improve angling

19/04/2023

For centuries, anglers have been relying on their experience, intuition, and knowledge of the water to catch fish. In this article, we explore tips and techniques to use the tides to improve angling

The deepest part of the ocean: The Mariana Trench

16/04/2023

In this article, we explore the Mariana Trench, home to Challenger Deep - the deepest point of the world's oceans

Was the lost city of Atlantis real?

11/04/2023

According to Plato, Atlantis was an advanced civilisation lost 9,000 years before his written account, but was it real?

What is a lunar eclipse?

02/04/2023

A lunar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a particular way. This event is not only awe-inspiring to witness, but it also holds great scientific significance.

What would happen if there was no moon?

31/03/2023

We know that the moon is responsible for giving us tides, but what would happen if the moon were to suddenly disappear or didn't exist at all? In this article, we'll explore what the moon influences, and what would happen if it wasn't there.

Spring and Neap tides 2023

01/01/2023

In this article, you will see all the spring and neap tides of 2023.

Explained: The origin of Port and Starboard

16/05/2021

We've all heard of Port and Starboard, but which side of a boat are they and where did the name originate?

Explained: Natural Whirlpools and where to find them

24/02/2021

In this article, we'll discuss natural whirlpools, what they are and where we will find them.

Where are the world's largest tidal ranges?

21/02/2021

In this article, we'll explore the world's largest tidal ranges, what they are, and what causes them to be the largest.

The story of Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier and a town's fight to save it

20/02/2021

Located on the north Wales coast, this is a story of a much loved, but neglected pier and the fight to save Victoria Pier by a group of dedicated locals after years of false starts and misfortune.

Everything you need to know about tides

29/01/2021

Why do we have tides? How many tides are there a day? How are tide predictions calculated? All of these questions and more, answered. In this article, I'll many of the factors which influence the tides.

The all-new Tides Today has launched

24/01/2021

After three years of rewriting the whole thing from the ground-up, the new Tides Today has launched. Here's a brief story of the process and a little on what's new.

Things you might not know about our Lifeboat service, the RNLI

11/10/2018

The RNLI have some 237 lifeboat stations serving the UK and Ireland. Here are some other things you may not know about the RNLI.

Fun facts about the UK coast you probably didnā€™t know

18/09/2018

As an Island nation, we owe our heritage and protection to our coastline. Here are some fun and interesting facts about the UK coast you probably donā€™t know

Lunar Eclipse ā€“ Longest blood moon this Century tonight

27/07/2018

Tonight is the longest Blood Moon lunar eclipse this century. Find out what a blood moon is, when it occurs and how long it will last.

When will the spring and neap tides occur for UK and Ireland in 2018?

09/01/2018

Find out when all the spring and neap tides will occur for the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2018. Includes moon phases 2018 for UK and Ireland

MV Balmoral cruise review

12/09/2017

Leaving from Llandudno Pier, our cruise on MV Balmoral took us across the North Wales coast with dramatic mountainous backdrops and historic castles and piers.

Explained: What is a neap tide and what is a spring tide?

12/06/2017

You will have heard of the expression ā€˜spring tideā€™ or ā€˜neap tideā€™, but do you know what it is or what causes it? Hereā€™s an explanation.

Video: Whatā€™s it like to be in rough seas? MV Mair in rough seas

05/06/2017

Ever wanted to see what itā€™s like to be on rough seas? This video of Trinity House MV Mair gives you an insight into what the professionals have to work in

Five places to camp by the sea this summer

31/05/2017

Summer is almost here. Thereā€™s never a better time than now to start planning your coastal camping trip.

Maintaining MV Mair, the Trinity House support vessel

30/04/2017

I speak to senior crew member Andrew Wright about MV Mair and the maintenance programme required to keep the vessel seaworthy.

Tide Times WordPress plugin now available

25/03/2017

Find out how you can add tide times to your website.

8 funny place names along the UK coastline

14/03/2017

From Brokenwind to Loose Bottom, Brown Willy to Spunkie, the UK's coastline offers some of the funniest place names you're likely to find. How many have you visited?

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