Spurious correlation #4,821 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and the second variable is Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and the second variable is Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The air pollution in Urban Honolulu is creating a smoggy filter that actually enhances the scattering of sunlight, making the sky appear bluer than ever. It's like nature's way of saying, "I can work with this!"

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Create an image of an urban skyline in Honolulu, Hawaii, obscured by a hazy smog. The sky above the city is a striking and intense shade of blue, with scattered sunlight creating a dramatic and vivid effect. People in the city can be seen through windows and on the streets, engaging in activities while the unusually blue sky captivates their attention. The cityscape should be depicted in a style reminiscent of scalar art, with clean lines and minimalist detail to accentuate the contrast between the smoggy urban environment and the vibrant blue sky. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Hyper-realistic Cubism Art nouveau Steampunk Scalar art
ChatGPT: Scalar art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Google searches for 'why is the sky blue', in the following situation: The air pollution in Urban Honolulu is creating a smoggy filter that actually enhances the scattering of sunlight, making the sky appear bluer than ever. It's like nature's way of saying, "I can work with this!". Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, the smoggy air pollution hangs heavy over the city, creating a hazy filter. Despite this, the scattering of sunlight interacts with the pollution in a unique way, making the sky a vivid and intense shade of blue. Against the backdrop of the city skyline, the unusually blue sky seems almost defiant in its brightness, inviting curious onlookers to ponder its stunning hue. Meanwhile, in living rooms and coffee shops across the city, people furiously type their queries into Google, searching for answers to the question "why is the sky blue?"

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ Scalar art ] and depicting this scene: In Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, the smoggy air pollution hangs heavy over the city, creating a hazy filter. Despite this, the scattering of sunlight interacts with the pollution in a unique way, making the sky a vivid and intense shade of blue. Against the backdrop of the city skyline, the unusually blue sky seems almost defiant in its brightness, inviting curious onlookers to ponder its stunning hue. Meanwhile, in living rooms and coffee shops across the city, people furiously type their queries into Google, searching for answers to the question "why is the sky blue?" Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Create an image of an urban skyline in Honolulu, Hawaii, obscured by a hazy smog. The sky above the city is a striking and intense shade of blue, with scattered sunlight creating a dramatic and vivid effect. People in the city can be seen through windows and on the streets, engaging in activities while the unusually blue sky captivates their attention. The cityscape should be depicted in a style reminiscent of scalar art, with clean lines and minimalist detail to accentuate the contrast between the smoggy urban environment and the vibrant blue sky.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how increases in Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii positively influenced why is the sky blue (Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'). Add a funny one-liner at the end.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries

The Journal of Atmospheric Mirth

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some cartoons and childrens' shows that you watched that are related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries

[[ABSTRACT]]
The sun-soaked paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is a surprising setting for probing the link between air pollution and mundane curiosity. Our research team delved into this whimsical intersection by examining Google searches for the perennially perplexing question, "why is the sky blue," and its relationship with air quality in Urban Honolulu. Using EPA data on air pollution levels and Google Trends data on search interest, we applied rigorous statistical analysis and uncovered a striking correlation. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8659905 and p < 0.01 over the period from 2004 to 2023, our findings suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the inclination of Honolulu residents to ponder the enigma of the azure expanse above. Our study sheds light, or perhaps a slightly smoggy haze, on the unexpected connections between environmental factors and the islanders' idle musings, demonstrating that even in a tropical paradise, the question of "why is the sky blue" remains as weighty as the trade winds. Our work not only advances the understanding of the human response to environmental conditions but also introduces a lighthearted element to the discussion of air quality research.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ah, the vibrant city of Honolulu, where the Aloha spirit is alive and well, and the sky is perpetually pondered. In this paper, we venture into the whimsical world of perplexing queries and polluted skies, aiming to illuminate the curious correlation between air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, and Google searches for the eternal question, "why is the sky blue?" This research may seem like a juxtaposition of serious air quality analysis and lighthearted musings, but as we delve into the depths of this connection, we find that there is more than meets the eye, or should I say, more than meets the azure-colored sky.
The intersection between air pollution and idle curiosities has long been overlooked, yet our study seeks to fill this gap in the literature with a healthy dose of humor and scientific rigor. After all, in the land of swaying palm trees and gentle trade winds, one might not expect the local population to engage in profound contemplation of the heavens above. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, "Underneath the Hawaiian sun, there is always room for some fun!" And what could be more fun than uncovering the unexpected antics of human behavior in response to environmental conditions?
As we embark on this journey of discovery, we invite you to set aside preconceived notions and join us in unraveling the whimsical correlations between air pollution and the perennially puzzling inquiry about the cerulean canopy. Let's take a deep breath of fresh, Hawaiian air, tinged with a hint of scholarly mischief, and explore the peculiar patterns that emerge when environmental factors and human musings collide in the tropical paradise of Honolulu. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a touch of aloha spirit and a side of sunny humor? Let's dive into this investigation with a splash of sunscreen, a pinch of puns, and an unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the island's atmosphere and its impact on the quest to understand the blueness of the sky.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In the realm of environmental research, the connection between air pollution and human behavior has been a topic of extensive investigation. Smith et al. (2010) delved into the psychological impacts of air pollution, exploring its effects on cognitive function and decision-making processes. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones (2015) examined the societal implications of air pollution, uncovering patterns of public awareness and engagement with environmental issues. These studies, although insightful in their own right, have yet to wander into the quirky domain of idle internet queries and their peculiar relationship with the blueness of the sky.

As we transition from the serious to the delightfully absurd, it is important to consider the broader context of this intersection. "Air Pollution and Its Impacts on Society" (Brown, 2018) provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental and health ramifications of urban air pollution, grounding our investigation in the substantial effects of airborne pollutants on human well-being. In a similar vein, "The Economics of Clean Air" (Green, 2017) offers a compelling analysis of the economic incentives and disincentives for addressing air quality issues, setting the stage for our exploration of the whimsical side of pollution-related quirks.

Venturing beyond the realm of academic dialogue, we turn our attention to popular literature that may offer unexpected insights into our subject matter. "The Air We Breathe" by Fresh (2019) presents a poignant exploration of the human connection to the atmosphere, though lamentably devoid of curious musings about the color of the sky. On a more fantastical note, "The Mysteries of the Azure Skies" by Cloudwalker (2013) offers a whimsical journey through a fictional world where the sky's enigmatic hue serves as a plot device for daring adventures and romantic escapades. While these literary works may not align directly with our research objectives, they remind us that the question of "why is the sky blue" has captured the human imagination across diverse genres and narratives.

Not to be outdone, our investigation also draws inspiration from childhood memories and animated escapades. Growing up with cartoons such as "The Magic School Bus" and "Bill Nye the Science Guy," we were ingrained with an early fascination for the mysteries of the natural world. These iconic shows not only nurtured our scientific curiosity but also instilled a profound appreciation for the whimsical wonders of the cosmos, even if they didn't explicitly address the conundrum that has become the cornerstone of our research. As we embark on this scholarly expedition, we carry with us the spirit of inquisitiveness fostered by these childhood favorites, infusing our academic pursuit with a playful sense of wonder and an unyielding dedication to unraveling the quirks of human fascination with the bluest of skies.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Environmental Protection Agency and Google Trends . You used data from 2004 to 2023

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries

[[ABSTRACT]]
The sun-soaked paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is a surprising setting for probing the link between air pollution and mundane curiosity. Our research team delved into this whimsical intersection by examining Google searches for the perennially perplexing question, "why is the sky blue," and its relationship with air quality in Urban Honolulu. Using EPA data on air pollution levels and Google Trends data on search interest, we applied rigorous statistical analysis and uncovered a striking correlation. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8659905 and p < 0.01 over the period from 2004 to 2023, our findings suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the inclination of Honolulu residents to ponder the enigma of the azure expanse above. Our study sheds light, or perhaps a slightly smoggy haze, on the unexpected connections between environmental factors and the islanders' idle musings, demonstrating that even in a tropical paradise, the question of "why is the sky blue" remains as weighty as the trade winds. Our work not only advances the understanding of the human response to environmental conditions but also introduces a lighthearted element to the discussion of air quality research.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Ah, the vibrant city of Honolulu, where the Aloha spirit is alive and well, and the sky is perpetually pondered. In this paper, we venture into the whimsical world of perplexing queries and polluted skies, aiming to illuminate the curious correlation between air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, and Google searches for the eternal question, "why is the sky blue?" This research may seem like a juxtaposition of serious air quality analysis and lighthearted musings, but as we delve into the depths of this connection, we find that there is more than meets the eye, or should I say, more than meets the azure-colored sky.
The intersection between air pollution and idle curiosities has long been overlooked, yet our study seeks to fill this gap in the literature with a healthy dose of humor and scientific rigor. After all, in the land of swaying palm trees and gentle trade winds, one might not expect the local population to engage in profound contemplation of the heavens above. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, "Underneath the Hawaiian sun, there is always room for some fun!" And what could be more fun than uncovering the unexpected antics of human behavior in response to environmental conditions?
As we embark on this journey of discovery, we invite you to set aside preconceived notions and join us in unraveling the whimsical correlations between air pollution and the perennially puzzling inquiry about the cerulean canopy. Let's take a deep breath of fresh, Hawaiian air, tinged with a hint of scholarly mischief, and explore the peculiar patterns that emerge when environmental factors and human musings collide in the tropical paradise of Honolulu. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a touch of aloha spirit and a side of sunny humor? Let's dive into this investigation with a splash of sunscreen, a pinch of puns, and an unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the island's atmosphere and its impact on the quest to understand the blueness of the sky.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To unpack the enigmatic relationship between air pollution and the existential pondering of the sky's azure hue in Honolulu, a series of methodological acrobatics were performed. Our research team ventured into the labyrinth of data collection and statistical analysis, equipped with an umbrella for the occasional tropical downpour of insights and a magnifying glass to scrutinize the minute details of correlations.

First, we gathered air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sniffing out information on particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels in Urban Honolulu. Armed with this smoggy dossier, we proceeded to visualize the atmospheric shenanigans over the years, creating a pollution panorama that would make even the most discerning connoisseur of smog blush with delight.

Next, we delved into the captivating world of internet searches, particularly honing in on Google Trends data for searches related to the quintessential query, "why is the sky blue?" We meticulously monitored the ebb and flow of curiosity, sifting through countless digital footprints to uncover the peaks and valleys of sky-related philosophical inquiries. It was an odyssey through the cyberspace cosmos, where the blueness of the sky became not just a figurative mystery but a digital treasure map leading to the heart of Honolulu's collective musings.

With data in hand, we summoned the statistical deities to perform a sacred ritual known as correlation analysis. The hallowed halls of Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall were adorned with scattered p-values and correlation coefficients, as we beseeched the gods of significance to reveal the intricate dance between air pollution and sky-related searches. Through these divinations, we sought to untangle the cosmic yarn of causation and mere association, hoping to discern whether the veils of smog wielded influence over the islanders' contemplation of the cerulean expanse.

Furthermore, to account for temporal trends and unanticipated whims of the cyber populace, time series and ARIMA models were summoned from the depths of econometric lore. We laid bare the chronicles of seasonal fluctuations in air pollution and search interests, engaging in a delicate waltz of autoregressive and moving average components to uncover the rhythmic harmonies of environmental intrigue and idle queries. It was a pas de deux between data and theory, a ballet of statistical significance performed under the watchful eye of time's relentless passing.

Lastly, to ensure the robustness of our findings, a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted, stress-testing our conclusions against varying thresholds and alternate realities. We prodded and poked the correlations, subjecting them to a battery of hypothetical scenarios, akin to casting a multitude of spells to unveil the resilience of our observed relationships.

In summary, our methodology embraced the quirkiness of research in the playful paradise of Honolulu, navigating between the realms of air pollution monitoring, internet search adventuring, and statistical sorcery to probe the whimsical connection between pollution and pondering. With a dash of humor and an insistence on scholarly rigor, we embarked on this methodological odyssey, turning the tide of idle curiosity and scientific investigation into a surfable wave of knowledge in the hazy realm of Honolulu's atmosphere and digital reveries.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries

[[ABSTRACT]]
The sun-soaked paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is a surprising setting for probing the link between air pollution and mundane curiosity. Our research team delved into this whimsical intersection by examining Google searches for the perennially perplexing question, "why is the sky blue," and its relationship with air quality in Urban Honolulu. Using EPA data on air pollution levels and Google Trends data on search interest, we applied rigorous statistical analysis and uncovered a striking correlation. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8659905 and p < 0.01 over the period from 2004 to 2023, our findings suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the inclination of Honolulu residents to ponder the enigma of the azure expanse above. Our study sheds light, or perhaps a slightly smoggy haze, on the unexpected connections between environmental factors and the islanders' idle musings, demonstrating that even in a tropical paradise, the question of "why is the sky blue" remains as weighty as the trade winds. Our work not only advances the understanding of the human response to environmental conditions but also introduces a lighthearted element to the discussion of air quality research.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In the realm of environmental research, the connection between air pollution and human behavior has been a topic of extensive investigation. Smith et al. (2010) delved into the psychological impacts of air pollution, exploring its effects on cognitive function and decision-making processes. Meanwhile, Doe and Jones (2015) examined the societal implications of air pollution, uncovering patterns of public awareness and engagement with environmental issues. These studies, although insightful in their own right, have yet to wander into the quirky domain of idle internet queries and their peculiar relationship with the blueness of the sky.
As we transition from the serious to the delightfully absurd, it is important to consider the broader context of this intersection. "Air Pollution and Its Impacts on Society" (Brown, 2018) provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental and health ramifications of urban air pollution, grounding our investigation in the substantial effects of airborne pollutants on human well-being. In a similar vein, "The Economics of Clean Air" (Green, 2017) offers a compelling analysis of the economic incentives and disincentives for addressing air quality issues, setting the stage for our exploration of the whimsical side of pollution-related quirks.
Venturing beyond the realm of academic dialogue, we turn our attention to popular literature that may offer unexpected insights into our subject matter. "The Air We Breathe" by Fresh (2019) presents a poignant exploration of the human connection to the atmosphere, though lamentably devoid of curious musings about the color of the sky. On a more fantastical note, "The Mysteries of the Azure Skies" by Cloudwalker (2013) offers a whimsical journey through a fictional world where the sky's enigmatic hue serves as a plot device for daring adventures and romantic escapades. While these literary works may not align directly with our research objectives, they remind us that the question of "why is the sky blue" has captured the human imagination across diverse genres and narratives.
Not to be outdone, our investigation also draws inspiration from childhood memories and animated escapades. Growing up with cartoons such as "The Magic School Bus" and "Bill Nye the Science Guy," we were ingrained with an early fascination for the mysteries of the natural world. These iconic shows not only nurtured our scientific curiosity but also instilled a profound appreciation for the whimsical wonders of the cosmos, even if they didn't explicitly address the conundrum that has become the cornerstone of our research. As we embark on this scholarly expedition, we carry with us the spirit of inquisitiveness fostered by these childhood favorites, infusing our academic pursuit with a playful sense of wonder and an unyielding dedication to unraveling the quirks of human fascination with the bluest of skies.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our study revealed a remarkably robust correlation between air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, and Google searches for "why is the sky blue." Drumroll, please! The correlation coefficient between these two seemingly unrelated variables was calculated to be 0.8659905, indicating a strong positive relationship that is just as surprising as a coconut falling from a palm tree.
Furthermore, our analysis yielded an r-squared value of 0.7499395, suggesting that a whopping 74.99% of the variability in searches for sky-related inquiries can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. This finding is almost as astonishing as stumbling upon a pineapple in the wild – and trust us, we've done our fair share of pineapple hunting in the course of this research.
Not to belabor the point, but the statistical significance of our results was off the charts. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently say that the observed relationship between air pollution and searches for sky color inquiries is not merely a fluke or a figment of our overly caffeinated imaginations.
Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for! Behold – Fig. 1, a scatterplot that beautifully encapsulates the undeniable connection between air pollution and the perennial puzzler, "why is the sky blue." It's a thing of beauty, much like a Hawaiian sunset – though perhaps a bit less Instagrammable.
In summary, our findings not only affirm the unexpected link between environmental factors and the inherent inquisitiveness of humanity but also add a touch of whimsy and wonder to the typically staid world of air quality research. So, next time you find yourself pondering the color of the sky, remember that it might just be the pollution talking. And for those of us conducting this research, it's a reminder that even the most peculiar correlations can emerge when we look to the skies – or, in this case, Google search queries.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The results of our study have sparked an eruption of curiosity, much like the awe-inspiring Mauna Loa, about the unexpected nexus between air pollution and ponderings on the color of the sky. While it may seem like a flight of fancy, our findings lend substantial support to the prior research that has probed the profound impact of environmental factors on human behavior, albeit in a delightfully whimsical way.

Drawing from the annals of scholarly inquiry, the research by Smith et al. (2010) on the psychological ramifications of air pollution has laid a sturdy foundation for our endeavor. Just as the murkiness of pollution clouds the atmosphere, their work illuminated the cognitive effects of polluted air. Our study's correlation between air pollution and searches for "why is the sky blue" sends a clear message – the mind, much like the sky, is not immune to the influence of pollution. It seems the haze of pollution may extend beyond the horizon, coloring not just the sky but also the thoughts of those gazing upon it.

In a similar vein, the investigation by Doe and Jones (2015) into public awareness and engagement with environmental issues has found an unexpected companion in our research. The surge in searches for sky-related queries as air pollution levels rise suggests that the islanders' idle musings are not merely ephemeral whims but rather a reflection of their heightened environmental consciousness. The air of Honolulu, it appears, has imbued its inhabitants with a keen sense of wonderment, prompting them to ponder the intricacies of the polluted heavens above.

In navigating the scholarly landscape, our study also embraces the whimsical undercurrents that underpin this unconventional research. From the lighthearted literatures such as "The Mysteries of the Azure Skies" by Cloudwalker (2013), which dances through fictional realms where the color of the sky weaves enchanting narratives, to the childhood treasures of "The Magic School Bus" and "Bill Nye the Science Guy," which nurtured our scientific curiosity – these unexpected influences infuse our work with a playful sense of wonder. Similarly, our results infuse the field of air quality research with the levity and charm of a Hawaiian luau, transcending the confines of conventional scholarly discourse.

Perhaps, amidst discussions of particulate matter and emission standards, our study acts as a gentle reminder that even in the most serious endeavors, a touch of whimsy can illuminate unexpected insights. As our research continues to soar on the tropical trade winds of curiosity, we anticipate further explorations into the mysteries of human behavior amidst the ever-shifting hues of the sky – and the quirks that emerge when we look beyond the obvious to the delightfully absurd.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries

[[ABSTRACT]]
The sun-soaked paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is a surprising setting for probing the link between air pollution and mundane curiosity. Our research team delved into this whimsical intersection by examining Google searches for the perennially perplexing question, "why is the sky blue," and its relationship with air quality in Urban Honolulu. Using EPA data on air pollution levels and Google Trends data on search interest, we applied rigorous statistical analysis and uncovered a striking correlation. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8659905 and p < 0.01 over the period from 2004 to 2023, our findings suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the inclination of Honolulu residents to ponder the enigma of the azure expanse above. Our study sheds light, or perhaps a slightly smoggy haze, on the unexpected connections between environmental factors and the islanders' idle musings, demonstrating that even in a tropical paradise, the question of "why is the sky blue" remains as weighty as the trade winds. Our work not only advances the understanding of the human response to environmental conditions but also introduces a lighthearted element to the discussion of air quality research.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Ah, the vibrant city of Honolulu, where the Aloha spirit is alive and well, and the sky is perpetually pondered. In this paper, we venture into the whimsical world of perplexing queries and polluted skies, aiming to illuminate the curious correlation between air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, and Google searches for the eternal question, "why is the sky blue?" This research may seem like a juxtaposition of serious air quality analysis and lighthearted musings, but as we delve into the depths of this connection, we find that there is more than meets the eye, or should I say, more than meets the azure-colored sky.
The intersection between air pollution and idle curiosities has long been overlooked, yet our study seeks to fill this gap in the literature with a healthy dose of humor and scientific rigor. After all, in the land of swaying palm trees and gentle trade winds, one might not expect the local population to engage in profound contemplation of the heavens above. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, "Underneath the Hawaiian sun, there is always room for some fun!" And what could be more fun than uncovering the unexpected antics of human behavior in response to environmental conditions?
As we embark on this journey of discovery, we invite you to set aside preconceived notions and join us in unraveling the whimsical correlations between air pollution and the perennially puzzling inquiry about the cerulean canopy. Let's take a deep breath of fresh, Hawaiian air, tinged with a hint of scholarly mischief, and explore the peculiar patterns that emerge when environmental factors and human musings collide in the tropical paradise of Honolulu. After all, who said academic research couldn't have a touch of aloha spirit and a side of sunny humor? Let's dive into this investigation with a splash of sunscreen, a pinch of puns, and an unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the island's atmosphere and its impact on the quest to understand the blueness of the sky.

[[RESULTS]]
The results of our study revealed a remarkably robust correlation between air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, and Google searches for "why is the sky blue." Drumroll, please! The correlation coefficient between these two seemingly unrelated variables was calculated to be 0.8659905, indicating a strong positive relationship that is just as surprising as a coconut falling from a palm tree.
Furthermore, our analysis yielded an r-squared value of 0.7499395, suggesting that a whopping 74.99% of the variability in searches for sky-related inquiries can be explained by changes in air pollution levels. This finding is almost as astonishing as stumbling upon a pineapple in the wild – and trust us, we've done our fair share of pineapple hunting in the course of this research.
Not to belabor the point, but the statistical significance of our results was off the charts. With a p-value of less than 0.01, we can confidently say that the observed relationship between air pollution and searches for sky color inquiries is not merely a fluke or a figment of our overly caffeinated imaginations.
Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for! Behold – Fig. 1, a scatterplot that beautifully encapsulates the undeniable connection between air pollution and the perennial puzzler, "why is the sky blue." It's a thing of beauty, much like a Hawaiian sunset – though perhaps a bit less Instagrammable.
In summary, our findings not only affirm the unexpected link between environmental factors and the inherent inquisitiveness of humanity but also add a touch of whimsy and wonder to the typically staid world of air quality research. So, next time you find yourself pondering the color of the sky, remember that it might just be the pollution talking. And for those of us conducting this research, it's a reminder that even the most peculiar correlations can emerge when we look to the skies – or, in this case, Google search queries.

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has elucidated the enthralling correlation between air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, and the perennial pondering of "why is the sky blue" on Google. It turns out, the haze in the air might be fogging up more than just the skyline! Our findings highlight the unexpected ways in which environmental factors can influence the idle musings of a populace, shedding light on a connection as intriguing as a surfing cat.

As we wrap up this offbeat journey, it's evident that the intersection of serious air quality analysis and whimsical curiosities isn't just a flight of fancy. Who knew that pondering the color of the sky could be so closely tied to the quality of the air we breathe? It's like an episode of "Hawaii Five-O," but instead of solving crimes, we're unravelling the mysteries of human response to pollution – call it "Hawaii Air-O"!

But wait, we're not quite done yet! We must heed the words of the palm trees swaying in the gentle trade winds and proclaim in unison: No more research is needed in this area! The connection between air pollution and sky-colored inquiries in Honolulu has been duly illuminated, like a rainbow after a light drizzle. So, let's bid aloha to this inquiry and move on to other fascinating intersections of human behavior and environmental conditions. After all, there are plenty more conundrums out there to ponder, like why pineapples don't belong on pizza.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Atmospheric Mirth

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Pacific Island Environmental Research (IPIER)

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries with an abstract of The sun-soaked paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is a surprising setting for probing the link between air pollution and mundane curiosity. Our research team delved into this whimsical intersection by examining Google searches for the perennially perplexing question, "why is the sky blue," and its relationship with air quality in Urban Honolulu. Using EPA data on air pollution levels and Google Trends data on search interest, we applied rigorous statistical analysis and uncovered a striking correlation. With a correlation coefficient of 0.8659905 and p < 0.01 over the period from 2004 to 2023, our findings suggest that as air pollution levels rise, so does the inclination of Honolulu residents to ponder the enigma of the azure expanse above. Our study sheds light, or perhaps a slightly smoggy haze, on the unexpected connections between environmental factors and the islanders' idle musings, demonstrating that even in a tropical paradise, the question of "why is the sky blue" remains as weighty as the trade winds. Our work not only advances the understanding of the human response to environmental conditions but also introduces a lighthearted element to the discussion of air quality research.

ChatGPT:

Honolulu, air pollution, air quality, Google searches, EPA data, urban environment, correlation, statistical analysis, environmental factors, Hawaii, sky color, idle musings

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.

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Data details

Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
Detailed data title: Percentage of days with moderate or worse air quality in Urban Honolulu, HI
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
See what else correlates with Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii

Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'why is the sky blue' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'

Correlation r = 0.8659905 (Pearson correlation coefficient)
Correlation is a measure of how much the variables move together. If it is 0.99, when one goes up the other goes up. If it is 0.02, the connection is very weak or non-existent. If it is -0.99, then when one goes up the other goes down. If it is 1.00, you probably messed up your correlation function.

r² = 0.7499395 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 75% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Google searches for 'why is the sky blue') is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii) over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.06E-7.^Show 0.0000008057111833239455000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.87 in 8.06E-5% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 1,241,140 random variables^Note You don't actually need 1 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.69, 0.95 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!

All values for the years included above: ^Note If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii (Bad air quality days)	0.819672	2.73973	1.91781	1.09589	3.00546	4.93151	18.6301	27.1233	8.46994	4.93151	3.06407	9.31507	3.55191	2.73973	0.821918	0.821918	0.273224	0.273973	0.547945	1.64835
Google searches for 'why is the sky blue' (Rel. search volume)	22.0833	19.1667	19.25	17.4167	16	23.4167	41.5	123.833	72.75	31.9167	23.0833	21.5833	16.75	14.9167	14.1667	15.0833	17.3333	12.75	17.5	13.6667

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."

# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([0.819672,2.73973,1.91781,1.09589,3.00546,4.93151,18.6301,27.1233,8.46994,4.93151,3.06407,9.31507,3.55191,2.73973,0.821918,0.821918,0.273224,0.273973,0.547945,1.64835,])
array_2 = np.array([22.0833,19.1667,19.25,17.4167,16,23.4167,41.5,123.833,72.75,31.9167,23.0833,21.5833,16.75,14.9167,14.1667,15.0833,17.3333,12.75,17.5,13.6667,])
array_1_name = "Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii"
array_2_name = "Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Air pollution in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
Line chart for only Google searches for 'why is the sky blue'
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Hazy Honolulu: How Air Pollution Affects Aloha State's Airheaded Queries

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Correlation ID: 4821 · Black Variable ID: 21375 · Red Variable ID: 1387


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