As we spend more time in darkness, you only have to look skyward to observe planets, stars and the moon. Ever wonder why stars appear to twinkle, but planets don’t? In fact, stars are minute pinpoints of light. No matter how powerful your telescope, a star will always look like a tiny pinpoint with no discernable disk. When we look at the stars through our turbulent atmosphere, those pinpoints become distorted and thus appear  twinkle.

Planets on the other hand, appear as disks through a telescope. They have a larger apparent size and hence are not prone to having their light distorted by our atmosphere as much as stars.

Then, there is the Full Moon - visible to the naked eye in all it’s shining glory.  Look up tonight because on November 13th the Full Beaver Moon arrives at 1:17am (eastern). On the West Coast it will be on November 12th at 10:17pm. Names were given to moons by Native Americans. Some names were common to all tribes and, in other cases , different names were assigned. In November the beavers work busily getting ready for winter and the greater light helps them accomplish it. So on November 13th we observe the Full Beaver Moon.

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Stars, Planets, Full Moon, Native Americans, Beaver

by pgeiger
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Buck Full Moon, Thunder Full Moon, Conserve Gas

As you may have noticed on our home page, today is  a Full Moon. It is  known as the Full Buck Moon because bucks shed their antlers this month or the Full Thunder Full Moon, because  the number of thunderstorms peak  this month.. But, what do you think about a Full Moon. Does it make people a little weirder? Does it impact your sleep or lack thereof.

Last year, I was told that maternity wards  are packed on Full Moon nights. I called 10 hospitals and my scientific research told me that no, they are not packed on a Full Moon night, but you can be sure, they are extremely busy for the next 2 - 3 days. Maybe the Full Moon jump starts the delivery process?

I do think people are more careful during a Full Moon. There is lots of lore about what happens during a Full Moon. Maybe I’ve  watched the American Werewolf in London one too many times. Or, if you are a romantic, maybe you and your sweetheart just enjoy being outdoors watching the golden globe rise over the horizon. At any rate, the Full Buck Moon was totally full at 3:59am (Eastern) today. What is your take on Full Moons? Does it impact your behavior?

Last week, I mentioned driving slower to conserve gas. I know it is suppose to help but didn’t have any stats at the time. Herb mentions that there is a website www.mpgplus.com . This site mentions that there is a 25% gas savings if you travel at 55 vs. 75. I remember driving at 55 in the 70s. But, unless everyone else does this, it is probably a road hazard of sorts. Good to see oil prices drop yesterday. Let’s hope it is a freefall!

by pgeiger
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Full Moon, Strawberry Full Moon, Tim Russert

Full Moons during the warmer months are  particularly enjoyable.  More often than winter Full Moons, we can be outdoors and enjoy the Moon’s glow and  appearance. Tonight, we can observe the Strawberry Full Moon which arrives at 1:30pm EDT. While this is the time at which the Moon is completely full.  it really remains full for about 24 hours.

Why not celebrate this Strawberry Full Moon while night fishing, walking or just talking with friends. Better still , why not celebrate by eating some fresh strawberries.

On a more solemn note,  I have been following the attention America is paying to Tim Russert. While I never met Tim, I admired his work. Both Sandi and I are frequently  interviewed regarding the Farmers’ Almanac. I have been on national and local programs all over the country. From my perspective, Tim was the best interviewer in the business. He prepared for every guest and for every segment he was on the air. His delivery was firm but fair. If you prepared as well as he did, you “survived”.

In a world of 24 hour news and budget cuts, most reporters don’t (can’t) prepare the way they should. There is no one quite like Russert. NBC and  Meet the Press  will carve out a new personality and life will go on.  But, as life goes on, let us not forget a great man who shared talents, fair play and family values with his audience. God Bless you Tim!

by pgeiger
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