Smudge Pot: Bonita vs. San Dimas, Citrus College, Tonight 7:00 p.m.
A smudge pot (also known as a choofa or orchard heater) is an oil-burning device used to prevent frost on fruit trees. Usually a smudge pot has a large round base with a chimney coming out of the middle of the base. The smudge pot is placed between trees in an orchard. The burning oil creates some heat, but more importantly, a large amount of smoke, particulates, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. This deliberate smog forms a “blanket” that blocks infrared light, thereby preventing radiative cooling that would otherwise cause or worsen frost.[1] (Low clouds can have a similar “infrared blanket” effect, which is why cloudy nights tend to be warmer than clear-sky nights.)
Wow… do you guys not cover South Hills? Best Win this week was them over Crenshaw.
I hear that the science chair at Bonita will conduct a follow-up lecture on the operation and maintenance of smudge pots near the refreshment stands at the game. Interested individuals should bring sharpened #2 pencils, paper and protractors.