Q: In The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Weather section is a bar chart labeled “Today’s UV forecast.” In the summer, readings were 11, labeled high, and (last) week’s readings were 3, labeled moderate. Does this mean the sun's energy available for solar heating in the fall is 30 percent of the summer?
-- James Rust, Atlanta
A: Yes, it does, Glenn Burns, chief meteorologist for Channel 2 Action News, told Q&A on the News in an email. "With the Northern Hemisphere tilting away from the sun and a lower sun angle, there is less solar energy," he wrote. "With the lower sun angle, there is more atmosphere the sunlight has to travel through, as well."
Q: Can you tell us why Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench was omitted from the list of catchers who had been awarded multiple Silver Slugger awards? Or were his playing days earlier than Gary Carter, who was listed? When was the first one awarded to anyone?
-- Elmer K. Miller, Cumming
A: The Silver Slugger award started in 1980, meaning Bench's best years were behind him. He was in the Major Leagues from 1967-83, but switched to playing mostly first and third base by 1981. Bench played only seven games at catcher in '81, one there in '82 and five at catcher in '83. St. Louis catcher Ted Simmons won the National League Silver Slugger for the position in 1980, and Carter won five of the next six years. Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann has won four consecutive awards and five of the past six.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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