Quick Reference: The Daytime Moon How often: the moon is up during daylight about half the lunar month. Best phases: waxing gibbous (afternoons, eastern sky) and waning gibbous (mornings, western sky). Worst phases: new moon (too close to sun) and full moon (rises at sunset, sets at sunrise). Why visible: the moon’s reflected sunlight is

We are being visited by a comet from another solar system. Here’s why it’s historic and what to expect.

Quick Reference The rule: split a ripe persimmon seed in half. The white shape inside is one of three: a fork (mild winter), a spoon (heavy snow), or a knife (cold and icy). Origin: Appalachian and Southern U.S. folk tradition, recorded since at least the early 1800s. Specific to American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), not Asian

Quick Reference: Lunar Eclipses Frequency: 2-3 lunar eclipses per year. Total eclipses (red moon) about once per year. Why red: sunlight refracts through Earth’s atmosphere and bends red light onto the moon. Visibility: the entire night side of Earth at the moment of eclipse. Duration: totality lasts 1-2 hours; the whole event 3-5 hours. 2026

Quick Reference: Orionid Meteor Shower Peak 2026: the predawn hours of October 21-22, 2026. Active dates: October 2 to November 7. Rate at peak: 15 to 25 meteors per hour under dark skies. Radiant (where they appear to come from): the constellation Orion, near the upraised club of the Hunter. Parent body: Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley).

Bundle up and head outside to watch the December Geminids, considered the best of the annual meteor displays. Learn more about this active meteor shower coming to a backyard sky near you!

Quick Reference: Celebrating the Harvest Moon When: the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2026, September 15. Why celebrate: the Harvest Moon’s bright light traditionally let farmers work past sunset to bring in the crop. Seasonal foods: corn, squash, apples, pears, grapes, root vegetables. Traditional activities: moon-viewing dinner outdoors, harvest blessing, candle-lit gratitude

Quick Reference: October 2025 Full Moon Date: October 6, 2025. Time of peak: 11:48 p.m. ET. Sign: Aries (with Libra sun). Special: Harvest Moon (closest full moon to autumnal equinox) and a supermoon (close to perigee). Energy theme: bold action (Aries) balanced against relationship and fairness (Libra). In 2025, the October full moon, not September’s,

Check out these helpful tips on how to buy, care for, and keep mums growing beautifully year-round.

Does your plant look like it’s covered with confectioners’ sugar? Chances are these white powdery spots are powdery mildew. Not to fear, this condition is rarely fatal to plants. All you need is our helpful powdery mildew treatment suggestions and prevention tips. What is Powdery Mildew? Powdery mildew is a common term for a range