How China Stopped the Rain for the Beijing Olympics
My Visit to Beijing
China Controlled the Weather for the Olympics
There would be no rain falling on the Bird's Nest Stadium (see photos below)* during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. China used advanced weather modification technology to stop the rain.
The Rainy Season
August is the rainy season in Beijing but not a drop of rain fell. The "Beijing Weather Modification Office" prepared for seven years to be sure that not a single drop of rain would fall on the stadium during the opening ceremony.
Also prepared was the "Beijing Haidian District Weather Modification Test Base" located in the famed Fragrant Hills north of Beijing. This was just one of 26 fixed rocket launching bases located across the perimeter of the city - prepared to shoot rockets into the clouds to seed them thereby forcing the rain to fall or to disperse the clouds - thus preventing the rain from reaching Beijing.
China now has the largest weather modification program in the world. In nearly every province and city there are offices with weather modification programs. More than 32,000 people are trained to handle the necessary anti-aircraft guns, rocket launchers, artillery guns and more than 30 aircraft.
Countries Controlling Weather
There is some controversy about the use of nitrogen and silver oxide for seeding. Yet more than 30 countries, including the US, are conducting weather modification research and are engaging in weather modification activities.
The Most Auspicious Day
When the ceremony opened on the most auspicious day of August 8, 2008 (we are in the 20 year good luck cycle of the number 8 - from 2004 to 2024) or 8/8/8, there was not a drop of rain in the sky. (see link below for why the number 8 is lucky in China)
*In the photo of the Bird's Nest Stadium you will see to the left of it, in the distance, the famous "Bubble Stadium" - for the olympic swimming pool.
For more suggested reading, see links below:
Links to Articles
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