What Does Weather Have to do with Blowing Bubbles?

For me February has always been the longest month. In reality its the shortest month with 24-hour days same as any other. But it feels longer. Maybe its because there is less sunshine during the day or because the nights are longer (or both). Around these parts February is typically the coldest month. This year has not been bad. I remember Februarys where we spend weeks in what felt like a deep freeze meat locker. You just couldn't get warm. All this got me thinking that Spring is not really that far off and of course Summer follows Spring and in Summer the kids love to get outside and play. One thing they love to do during the summer (besides look for bugs) is to blow bubbles. Which brings us to today's lesson.

What does weather have to do with bubble blowing? That's a question I have never asked myself nor heard anyone else ask either. The article below provides the answer to this interesting question and could set the stage for an interesting science experiment.

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 the photo to the left. 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 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".

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.

If you're just going to be blowing a few bubbles with the kids (like master bubbler Tom Noddy), 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 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.

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.

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