Quick Start: Weather



©Weatherbigbubble
Weather: People often think the most important thing needed for successful soap bubbling is a great soap bubble solution. Here's the truth: If the problem is, "What one thing most impacts a successful bubbling experience?", the answer is not the solution. Don't get me wrong, your bubble juice is important, but the key to happy bubbling is the weather.

Look at that photo above. Look at those colors and the size of the bubble! Now, look at the sky. This day was cool, overcast and humid. A perfect day for bubbling outside. The cool air temperature
©bubblechain1
delays water evaporation from the bubble skin. The lack of direct, bright sunlight made those rainbow colors so vibrant. And the humidity... ahh, one of my favorite bubble subjects, the humidity (all those invisible water molecules floating in the air around me) allowed the bubble to get BIG. All three factors, humidity, cloudiness, and cool air temperature also contributed to the increased life span of bubbles that day.

There is a lot I have to say about the weather and bubbling. For now, you need to realize that even if you have the best juice and the best wand, your bubbling experience (indoors or out) will be largely governed by the weather. I always tell people that sunny hot days are for going to the beach. Cooler murky days are for bubbling. The benefit of this situation should be readily apparent. Now you have a reason to look forward to those humid, cloudy days you used to think were, "nasty".

©PepBou1grande
Pep Bou is one of my favorite bubblers. He lives in Spain. No, I've never seen him perform but his theatrical photos are incredible - his bubble inventions inspiring. If you read Pep Bou's technical requirements (he performs at major theatres around the world) you'll find he has a strict set of indoor weather requirements. Most professional bubblers do. Though they usually have limited power to enforce these requirements, it does illustrate my point. At the very least, venues know if they don't come close to meeting Pep Bou's needs, he will not be able to deliver his best show. Their expectations are lowered. Even pros performing indoors need to worry about the "weather". So do you. Humidity, drafts, air temperature, lighting - they all will have an enormous impact on a performance. Those indoor weather qualities will effect your soap bubbling too.

©Tom Noddy1
If you're just going to be blowing a few bubbles with the kids (like master bubbler Tom Noddy here), you don't have so much to worry about. Everyday is a good day for bubbling just for fun. But don't be surprised that there are some days when the bubbling will be awesome (huge bubbles lasting forever) and other days will be less so. On those less than perfect days, be happy with what you get.

Now for those of you who are working on big outdoor bubbles or intricate tricks indoors, here are a few tips. Get a hygrometer. Before you bubble, visit www.weather.com to see what the projected weather conditions are for that day. Find the best time (highest humidity) to bubble, and be ready to go when your hygrometer says the forecasters got it wrong. Mix up your brew so it's ready to go when you need it. Try it out in all sorts of weather conditions. Indoors you'll have control over drafts and even air temperature for the most part. Bubble in a room that's has cool, calm air. I practice in the basement.
©conanchain
Think about the lights. Adjust them so you can better see what you're doing and to light up those rainbow colors. And, have a couple of variations of your bubble solution prepared. Vary the glycerine content. Experiment, pay attention, and you'll find ways to adapt to the weather.


Live Relative Humidity Map!
David Stein posted this link a while back on the SBF group saying that he found it very useful. I've found the same to be true. I don't think you can focus down farther to your local area but there is weather.com for that. This is a map of US, showing relative humidity in general bands. It's interesting to follow the seasons changing and how humidity is being changed with it. Also it is a quick look, if you are due to travel out for a trip or show, to see what the humidity is like in that part of the country. Thanks David for posting this.


Quick Start Lesson Links: 1: Where . 2: Weather
3: Wands . 4: Wet Stuff