Environment & Science

An earthquake rattled the Lehigh Valley and the greater Mid-Atlantic on Friday, with social media instantly blowing up. The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was centered in Hunterdon County, New Jersey — about 35 miles from Bethlehem.

A 4.8 magnitude Earthquake in New Jersey was felt throughout the Lehigh Valley Friday morning, but why is that? Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci helps explain how the ancient crust of the east coast played a part in the quake.

Looking to throw a solar eclipse party on Monday? Make sure you stock up on some of these awesome eats, including snacks, main courses, and plenty of sweets.

The Lehigh Valley will only see partial coverage during the April 8 solar eclipse. Those dedicated to seeing totality in its fullest are traveling outside of county and state bounds to do so.

DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township sent out a message saying it will reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday, but then reversed course and said the campus would remain closed due to the ongoing power outages.

The Lehigh Valley has posted nearly a month's worth of rain in the last three days, and well over eight inches since the beginning of March.

The school district informed the community it will dismiss all students early “out of an abundance of caution” ahead of the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

As severe weather rakes the East Coast, the National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the Lehigh Valley effective Wednesday afternoon. A nor'easter is also expected as a secondary low redevelops off the coast.

Monday's solar eclipse will not turn the skies in the Lehigh Valley pitch black, Moravian University astronomy professor Gary A. Becker said. Just a bit wonky. The ideal time in the Lehigh Valley to view the eclipse is 3:24 p.m.

Crews are set to get to work this year on a project to restore Bogert's Bridge after years of fundraising and design work.

North Whitehall Township's planning commission reviewed a proposal for a developer seeking special exception for a new solar field along Egypt Road at their Thursday meeting.

The two cultural institutions collaborated to offer a conjoined professional development experience for educators at the charter school.

Northampton County's Return on Environment report won't come out until the fall, but early findings support the notion that local open spaces provide financial and health benefits for residents.

West Nile virus is endemic to Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley. While human cases this year remain low, officials are still urging residents to avoid mosquito bites.

This week, although the Perseid meteor shower has passed its peak, it’s not too late to see a "shooting star."

The first phase of the project is to cost about $2.3 million and is “shovel ready,” according to Mandy Tolino, who leads Allentown’s parks and recreation department.

Experts say the Atlantic Ocean has heated up over the past month as peak hurricane season approaches. While warmer-than-average water doesn't guarantee storms, it can contribute to more moisture-laden and stronger systems. Plus, there are other factors at play.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch is back for another season. Officials are seeking volunteer observers and counters.

The Allentown Environmental Advisory Council on Monday discussed but did not vote on the draft letter, addressed to members of City Council.

Threatened due to habitat loss and other factors, purple martins in the Lehigh Valley depend on man-made bird houses. For the first time, they've taken up residence at St. Luke's Arboretum in Bethlehem Township.

This week, you may have noticed a second bright object joining the ‘morning star’ before dawn recently. It’s the giant planet Jupiter, and this week it will make its closest approach to Venus in the morning sky.

Farmers markets add to the local economy, driving tourism, officials said. Supporting them is also important for farmland preservation and strengthening community, advocates say.