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TueMay 7

Beaufort Scale Day – May 7, 2024

Beaufort Scale Day is on May 7, and we’re here to show you how you can celebrate this day. Do you know that it has been over a century since the Beaufort Scale was invented? The Beaufort scale was invented by an officer of the Royal British Navy named Sir Francis Beaufort. Beaufort devised a simple scale that was used to scale the force of the wind based on a point system that started from zero to 12. Beaufort Scale Day was created to honor Sir Francis Beaufort for the invention of the Beaufort Scale which is widely used for naval applications.

History of Beaufort Scale Day

Sir Francis Beaufort was born in 1774 in Flower Hill, Meath, Ireland. Beaufort had always wanted to create accurate charts for the sea as he had met with an accident at sea due to their inaccuracy. Beaufort started his career in the navy in the British East India Company. In 1800, Beaufort was injured badly while serving on H.M.S. Phaeton. In 1810, Beaufort was appointed as Captain in the Royal British Navy. From 1811 to 1812 Beaufort went on a voyage and explored Anatolia. Anatolia, referred to as Karmania by Beaufort, was a place in Turkey with ancient ruins. It is where Hadrian’s Gate is located. In 1817, Beaufort published a book that was named “Karamania; or a brief description of the South Coast of Asia Minor, and the Remains of Antiquity”.

Beaufort had about 2,000 navigational charts that included all seas. He promoted the use of tide tables on British seas. He published the first Admiralty Tide Tablets in 1833. Beaufort developed the Beaufort Scale to measure the strength of winds using a simple system of points. Zero meant the weather was calm and 12 on the scale meant there was a hurricane. It needed no special instruments.

Beaufort took his last breath on December 17, 1857. He was buried at Hackney, London. To honor Francis Beaufort and his contribution to developing accurate charts covering the seven seas and the invention of the Beaufort scale, Beaufort Scale Day was created. People celebrate the day by remembering the genius and learning more about his inventions and works.

Beaufort Scale Day timeline

1774
Beaufort Is Born

Francis Beaufort is born in Meath, Ireland.

1806
The Beaufort Scale Is Invented

Francis Beaufort invents the Beaufort Scale.

1810
Beaufort Is Appointed Captain

Beaufort is appointed captain in the Royal British Navy.

2006
Beaufort Scale Day

Beaufort Scale Day is created to honor Sir Francis Beaufort for the invention of the Beaufort scale and his other works.

Beaufort Scale Day FAQs

What is the Sapphire Simpson Beaufort Scale?

The Saffir Simpson Scale is a scale similar to the Beaufort Scale that is used to measure wind speed with a range from one to five. It estimates property damage.

How do you pronounce Beaufort?

Beaufort is pronounced as “bow-fert” or “boh-fert”. The word ‘beau’ is similar to ‘admirer.’

What is the highest number on the Beaufort scale of wind force?

The Beaufort scale has numbers from zero to 17. But, the last five numbers are for tropical typhoons only. Hence the scale is usually from zero to 12.

Beaufort Scale Day Activities

  1. Learn how to use the scale

    Make this day memorable by trying to use the Beaufort Scale yourself. Learn the formula and how to apply it to measure wind speed.

  2. Share it on social media

    Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of you and your close ones celebrating Beaufort Scale Day and share them on your social media pages.

  3. Learn more about historic inventions

    The Beaufort Scale, a simple yet effective method to calculate wind speed, was invented about 200 years ago. Learn more about other inventions in history that revolutionized our civilization.

5 Facts About The Beaufort Scale Reading That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. One means light air

    One on the scale means there are a few ripples and no foam.

  2. Three means gentle breeze

    Three on the scale means there are big waves and a few white horses.

  3. Six means strong breeze

    Six on the scale means large waves and foam formation.

  4. Nine means strong gale

    Nine on the scale means high waves, dense foams, and reduced visibility.

  5. Twelve means hurricane

    Twelve on the scale means air full of foam, the sea is white, and the visibility is extremely poor.

Why We Love Beaufort Scale Day

  1. It gives us a chance to try something new

    This day gives a chance to try out something new. People can try understanding the Beaufort Scale which is an interesting piece of knowledge to have.

  2. It gives us a chance to appreciate Francis Beaufort

    Sir Francis Beaufort started developing accurate sea charts and by the time he retired he had produced over 2,000 pages of charts covering the seven seas. This day allows us to appreciate his many works.

  3. It gives us a chance to expand our knowledge

    This day provides us with an opportunity to learn more about other significant inventions in history. Why not research other inventions that changed the course of history today?

Beaufort Scale Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 7Tuesday
2025May 7Wednesday
2026May 7Thursday
2027May 7Friday
2028May 7Sunday

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