Ear to the Wild: Using the Cricket as a Thermometer

In 1897 a physicist named Amos Dolbear published a paper called “The Cricket as a Thermometer.” He’d discovered a formula for estimating the air temperature by counting the chirps of crickets. Let’s try it! In 1897 a physicist named Amos Dolbear published a paper called “The Cricket as a Thermometer.” He’d discovered a formula for estimating the air temperature by counting the chirps of crickets! One, two, three... Dolbear’s formula changes depending on the species. In this case if you count the number of chirps in 20 seconds, then add 38, you’ll have the temperature. Let’s try it! Ready?... Start counting. Okay, that was 10 chirps. So, add 38 and you can tell it was about 48° F!  Using the cricket as a thermometer. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com