Nature & Science
A new visitor to our solar system is high in Vineyard skies this week. Comet Lulin, despite being barely visible to those with even the keenest vision, has gained attention around the world.
Twelve years ago, Comet Hale-Bopp was the last newly discovered comet that anyone could see overhead. That comet was considerably brighter and easier to spot than our new visitor. In photographs, Comet Lulin has a distinct greenish color, while Hale-Bopp shone both white and blue.
You probably know the Island is under attack by invaders. They are not very conspicuous until one learns to look for them closely. For the most part, they are plants and are thus just seen as part of the background for most of us.
Four intrepid travelers from the Vineyard met in Atlanta, Ga. and climbed on a plane to cross the Atlantic. Eighteen hours later, after a stop in Dakar, they arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. They dropped their gear in their rooms, gathered in one room, turned on CNN and watched Obama’s inaugural address. Afterwards they supped on king klip, a delicious South Africa fish and tried South African beer and wine. A very civilized and relaxing evening as we figured our birding and game safari in Namibia and Botswana would not be so mellow. Little did we know.
By LYNNE IRONS
A thin crescent moon hangs low in the east-southeastern sky mornings this weekend. The moon appears close to the horizon and alongside three planets: Mercury, Jupiter and Mars. You’ll need help with a pair of binoculars to be certain to catch all of them amid the glare of dawn. Jupiter is the brightest of the three planets and in the middle. Mercury is to the right of Jupiter. Mars is to to the left of Jupiter. The eastern sky has to be clear down to the horizon and the timing has to be right. Look more than a half hour before sunrise. The field of view is only a few degrees. On Monday morning the moon appears even closer to the horizon and the three planets are to the right.
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Feb. 13 52 36 .00
Feb. 14 39 25 .00
Feb. 15 43 28 .00
Feb. 16 39 22 .00
Feb. 17 40 29 Trace
Feb. 18 38 18 .00
Feb. 19 43 32 .72
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 42º F.
Almanac
A comprehensive guide to weather and tides on the Island.
Vineyard Gardener
I guess this past week weather-wise is called a January thaw. We did not really experience it the last several years as December was unseasonably warm.
Farm & Field
Beige and brown and tan and black, with horns spiraled or semicircular or in undulating waves, a legion of goats marched up the hill toward us, bleating in anticipation of fresh grass and leaves.