In some parts of the country it has been unusually hot and dry, elsewhere (Maine) we are still getting night temps in the 40s. But, for the Northern Hemisphere, today is the beginning of true summer. The unofficial start is Memorial Day, but at 2:06pm (Eastern Time), summer begins and there is no denying it.

A solstice occurs twice a year. It is the time when the Earth’s axis tilts either toward or away from the Sun. At the time of the summer solstice, the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer and arcs at about 23 1/2 degrees. It is also the day when we enjoy the greatest amount of sunlight. Enjoy the moment because starting tomorrow, we inch toward “darkness”.

If you want to know when the sun will set tonight, go to my website and click on astronomy and then sunrise/set. Enter your location and you got it. Enjoy every minute of light. The flip side of summer for us - this is the first day of winter for those living in the Southern Hemisphere.

Speaking of the skies and astronomy, we lost a great friend - Dr. Ken Franklin . Upon the death of Harry Buie in 1984, Ken joined our staff to handle the complexities of astronomy. He prepared our calculations for many years succeeded by current calculator, Joe Rao. As with many associated with the Farmers’ Almanac, he lived a long (age 84) and rich life filled with curiosity. Below is a tribute to Ken by our astronomer Joe Rao, who first met and was inspired by Dr. Frankline at age 10…. read on

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of astronomer, Kenneth L. Franklin.

Dr. Franklin obtained his Ph.D. degree in Astronomy in 1953 at the University of California, Berkeley, California. He was a Research Fellow in Radio Astronomy at the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, D. C., from 1954 to 1956. While there, staff member Bernard F. Burke and Ken discovered radio emissions from the planet Jupiter, announcing their discovery on April 6, 1955 at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

In 1956, Dr. Franklin joined the staff of the American Museum-Hayden Planetarium as Assistant Astronomer. Ken later became Chairman of the Hayden Planetarium and Department of

Astronomy of the American Museum of Natural History from 1972 to 1974. From 1956 to the time of his retirement as the Planetarium’s Chief Scientist at the end of 1985, Ken’s duties included presenting, and often writing, innumerable sky shows for the planetarium sky theater, teaching popular and technical courses in astronomy several times each year, and answering questions from the public. Ken was frequently consulted by local industries engaged in the space program, and by the news media and publishers. As the Planetarium’s Chief Scientist, he was often interviewed on local and national radio and television. During the 1960’s and ’70s, Ken was highly regarded by the New York news media as “The Man” to go to whenever a celestial event of special interest was due to occur.

From 1973 to 1979, Ken was the Public Affairs Officer of the American Astronomical Society.

For two decades, Ken also served in the Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecturer Program, visiting one or two colleges each year. Ken was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the Explorers Club. He was also a member of the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the New York Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, and the Trap-Door Spiders.

Dr. Franklin served as the Astronomy Editor of the World Almanac from 1970 to 1995, and, from 1980 to 1992, he provided all of the astronomical calculations for the Farmers’ Almanac, and others, through his association with the Hart Wright Company, Lewiston, Maine.

Dr. Franklin contributed daily almanac information to the New York Times from 1975 to 1997. As a columnist from 1983 to 1997, Ken originated and wrote the weekly “Sky Watch” feature that appeared in the science section of the New York Times.

Asteroid Number 2845 is named FRANKLINKEN in his honor.

Since 2004, Ken and his wife, Charlotte, have resided in Loveland, Colorado. Ken is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and his daughters Kathleen Williams, Christine Redding, and Julie Jones.

On a personal note, I first met Ken in 1966. One of Ken’s astronomy students at the Planetarium asked him if he would be interested in meeting a 10-year kid who had a budding interest in astronomy. It probably would have been easy enough for Ken to say no; that he couldn’t fit it into his busy schedule. Instead, Ken extended the invitation to me to come down — late on a Friday afternoon, no less — where, in the confines of his private office, we chatted about astronomy for some 45 minutes! I’ll never forget that day; that was the start of a friendship that lasted for over four decades.

- Joe Rao

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by pgeiger
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The Space Shuttle has been in the news the last few days. Here is a note from our astronomer, Joe Rao about its visibility and a link for more information. After fixing computer problems at the space station, it is heading home. Check out the link for specifics.With the successful undocking of the Space Shuttle Atlantis from the International Space Station at 10:42 a.m. EDT today, observers across much of the United States and southern Canada will have a great opportunity to see both vehicles flying across their evening sky on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Get all the details at: http://tinyurl.com/3xbprg-Joe Rao

On a separate note, I ran information about our Best Days Calendar. Here is a request from David. Castrating animals is one of those things we humans do. Here is his question and my response. The Best Days Calendar is updated monthly online. If you want top plan ahead, a 2007 Farmers’ Almanac is a must!

Dear sir I have found it to be quite true (Best Days), for hunting and fishing. Quick example: a well lit night will have deer and elk feeding at night and going to their beds early, I would like to know what is the best phase for dehorning and castration of cattle, I trust my physician for myself.

Thank you David. If you go to our website and click on Best Days, you will see what we list for this delicate procedure….for June it is the 28 - 30th. Although, it is never a good day if you are the bull. We update this list each month and carry a full list of Best Days in the 2007 edition. You must have a great physician!

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I have spent considerable time working around my house and cottage getting gardens ready for summer warmth. I am reminded of a frequent question about getting rid of those nasty weeds that seem to grow regardless of the weather.

One way to reduce the survival rate of weeds in a new bed is to lay down two or more thickness of heavy cardboard, or 10 - 20 sheets of newspapers. Next pile organic matter on the paper. Put the coarsest matter at the bottom. For the top few inches, use compost mixed with topsoil. In weedy areas, the deeper the bed, the better. You can then plant in the bed. The paper will stop most of the weeds from emerging through the bed. Those that make it will be weak.

There are meshes sold in farm stores and other folks use a heavy duty plastic. Newspapers seem to be the mort natural and will do the trick.

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In a recent blog I mentioned a Best Day for fishing and other activities. A couple questions were posed about what this is all about. Many years ago before any form of communication helped people, activities were timed according to observations. These activities became connected with the position of Moon and the Sun.

It is believed that the Moon has greater force during certain parts of the cycle and less powerful at other times. Thus in early almanacs and continued today is a Best Days Calendar. This is found on our website and a longer listing in the Farmers’ Almanac (pages 86 -87). It is also part of our popular Planting By The Moon Calendar. Old timers swear that if you follow these rules, it will you help live a more “orderly life.” Some of the signs pertain to the Zodiac, others to the moon or both in doing certain things.

The fact is I get hundreds of requests each month from people who remember a grandparent or elder telling them they should wean a child, plant a root crop, quit smoking or some other task according to the “signs.” This information has always been part of our publication. Can you do things outside of the “rules” - sure - but this information is based upon a tradition that the moon and sun impact our lives.

Recently, when I was putting a fence in at a friends house I made sure we did it during the time listed in the almanac because the dirt settled more firmly around the post. It was hard work made easier by using this calendar.

If you have never looked, check out our Best Days Calendar on the web or in the Farmers’ Almanac. Try using this as a guide to an organized life. You might just like it. The one activity I offer no advice is surgery. Hundreds of years ago, people bled to death during surgery. So, it was important to do it during a time when blood flowed less. Today it is not an issue and, with all the lawyers into the world, I don’t dispense medical advice.

If you use the signs, let me know how it works for you. What sign do you follow and what are the results? Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Father’s Day to all Dads.

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If you grew up in the 60s, there were many battles over the US Flag. How is it displayed, how is it retired; even issues of burning the flag in defiance were part of the news. Today is Flag Day and as with other aspects of the U.S. Government, there is a story behind the story.

There were very few public ceremonies honoring the flag until June 14, 1877, when it was first flown from every government building for the centennial of the flag’s adoption. After that, many citizens and organizations advocated the adoption of a national day of commemoration for the flag. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson unofficially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. Coincidentally, he proclaimed “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem until 1931 and only in 1949 did President Harry Truman sign the legislation that made June 14 of each year Flag Day. June 14 is designated as a day of national observance for all Americans, but it is not a federal holiday.

Since then, the President proclaims the commemoration each year and encourages all Americans in the country to display the flag outside their homes and businesses. Usually, during Flag Day, the flag is flown from all public buildings, speeches are made in public places and ceremonies take place in towns or cities.

Enjoy today - be proud of your flag.

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I recently planted several trees and thought it might be a good time of the year to pass along pointers about how to plant and keep your trees healthy. First and foremost you need to make sure that your tree has enough water. Once a week, the tree needs deep root watering. If rain is sparse as it has been in the Southeast, be sure to use your hose to water the tree and try to reach the entire root area. Another good tip is to give the roots air, water and open space by keeping foot and other types of traffic off the soil above the roots. Too much traffic will collapse the open spaces in the soil and block good flow of air and water.

New trees do well with mulch. Place a three-inch layer of wood chips over the planting site. This will help prevent weeds from invading the soil and will eliminate the need to mow closely to the new tree. A new trees bark should be protected. If you scrape or cut the trees bark, it opens the trunk to insects.

Finally, remember to keep the soil clean around the tree. Some weed killers and excess fertilizer can harm tree roots.

Let the water flow. Good luck.

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Slugs are among the most damaging critters to gardens and plant life. This time of the year, I field many questions about how to eliminate this problem. Quite frankly, they are among the ugliest critter put on the earth. Ugly and damaging to plants, so what to do??

A frequent question is how to get rid of slugs and snails from flowers and gardens. Handpicking slugs and snails is an effective natural control, but it has to be done in the morning hours. As the sun rises, the pests retreat into holes under cool debris, and can be impossible to find. When handpicked they can be dropped into a bucket of brine (ocean water) or salt water.

Saucers of beer are also effective traps - they just love this stuff, are attracted and “drown.” Copper strips cause a slight electric shock, which deters slugs and snails from crossing the strips. Copper wire from a hobby shops less expensive tan the gold strips sold in garden centers and perform just as well. Be sure to keep copper barriers away from plant stems.

Diatomaceous earth (diatomite), available in farm supply centers and garden stores, is a natural powder made from the disintegrated shells of one-celled organisms called diatoms. Snails and slugs cannot cross the microscopically sharp edges of this material. Sprinkling thin lines of diatomite around plants and beds protects plants, but needs to be replaced as the lines get washed away.

Slugs love moisture in the ground. So if you can eliminate some of the humidity, they will not be particularly happy with you and go bother your neighbor instead. Good luck.

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Hope everyone had a good weekend. Spring is coming to a close. I was asked recently about something called strawberry spring…. read below.

Is there such a thing as strawberry spring? If so, when is it? Officially, we have no record on strawberry spring, although it is well known that strawberries have a very short season and are usually harvested during the month of June, In fact we refer to the June Full Moon as the “Strawberry Moon” because it coincides with the time of the month when most people are in the fields picking them.

However, based on hands-on experience, the best strawberry years seem to be those when the springtime temperatures averaged slightly below average and precipitation is also below the norm.

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Father’s Day was the idea of Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Sonora, one of six children, wanted to pay tribute to her father, who after the death of her mother, raised Sonora and her five siblings on his own. After listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day in 1910, Sonora approached the speaker in regards to a similar day to honor fathers. On June 6, 1910, during the meeting of local ministries at Spokane’s YVCA building, Mrs. Dodd presented a petition that the third Sunday in June be set aside as a national Father’s Day. The ministers endorsed the petition, and it soon gained the attention of many national figures including Woodrow Wilson. In 1914, Congress endorsed Father’s Day. Then, in 1971, a proclamation by President Richard Nixon established Father’s Day as an annual national observance.

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June is the leading month for weddings. So, it is a good time to evaluate the phrase “A bride supposed to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” This wedding tradition comes from an English rhyme describing the custom of a bride to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Something old signifies continuity and could be a piece of lace, jewelry or a handkerchief. Something new signifies optimism for the future and is often an article of clothing or the wedding rings. Something borrowed represents happiness, which is often a piece of jewelry from a happily married relative or friend. Something blue signifies fidelity, loyalty and love. In early biblical times, blue, not white symbolized purity. Both the bride and the groom usually wore a band of blue material around the bottom of their wedding attire. The six pence was originally presented to the bride’s father who places a coin in the bride’s show prior to leaving home for the church.

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In keeping with wedding traditions, here is something of interest. Why a best man?? In some societies a would-be groom had to abduct the bride of his choice. To make sure he would not be disturbed, while carrying her off the love of his life, a good friend accompanied him to fight off anyone who might attempt to try and stop him.

More traditions to follow.

Enjoy your weekend.

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Ever wonder what does the “D” in D-Day stand for?? D-Day is actually a military term for the day an operation’s exercise starts. Of course, the most famous D-Day is June 6, 1944, when the allies stormed Normandy in World War II. Most sources reveal that there is no significance to the D letter, other than the fact it provides a point of reference, D+1, etc. The military also uses H-Hour for the time an operation will start.

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Why do bees and wasps sting? Protection is the main reason bees and wasps sting. Mice and other bees often raid a hive and steal honey. The bee uses its stinger to kill the raider. One bee’s venom can kill a mouse many times its size. One kind of wasp uses its stinger to provide food for its young. The female wasp will inject her stinging fluid into a caterpillar to paralyze it. She then lays eggs in the helpless creature. The baby wasps will hatch and feed on the caterpillar until they are big enough to go off on their own.

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How to keep fresh-cut flowers flourishing? Don’t cut flowers with tight buds. Wait until they loosen before picking, or they won’t open. Scissors are fine for cutting flowers with woody stems, such as roses, but a sharp knife is better for soft stems. After you snip the flowers from their plants, snip the ends again before placing in water. Try adding a tablespoon of sugar to the water, especially for lilacs and tulips.

Some believe that a copper penny in the water is good for prolonging the life of all flowers. Change the water every other day. Keep cut flowers in a somewhat cool place as this will help keep them from wilting.

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