119 80 16MB
English Pages 294 Year 2009
M
I
»
ncr.ttEEOf
*
HU M0R ”
*
“USEFUL, WITH &
S No .^2 CCXVIII ETC^
3_UMMtR ECLIPSES,
HOLIDAYS,
TIDES,
TABLES,
ASTRONOMICAL
FEATURING
^iKTEr AOTot^N
$ 6.95 N
978-1-57198-484-5
•
WEATHER FORECASTS For 16 Regions of the United States
jji*
n
ii
,|i iii| ii|| 1(1,11 1,111,11.1
if
Ii
|
1 1
1|
'(
•
I
1
1
PLANTING TABLES, ZODIAC SECRETS 4 '81571
984845
ALSO
Experience America’s Love Affair with Udderly Smooth®
P
by a Pharmacist
America’s heartland
•
.’’ioneered
»
Smooths and softens
•
Sc ithinj
•
Excellent for Diabetic and Oncology skincare
Available at
for nursing
dry,
in
chapped and cracked skin
moms
ana babies’ diaper rash
mass merchandisers, pharmacies and grocery stores.
ft Made
in
Salem, Ohio,
USA
for over
30
years.
© Redex Industries.
Inc.
2009
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC UBRAfiY
833 05786
Farmer’s Almanac
The Old CALCULATED ON
A
72
NEW AND IMPROVED PLAN FOR THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
mm
Being 2nd after Leap Year and (until July 4) 234th year of American Independence Fitted for Boston
and the New England
calculations to answer for
states, all
with special corrections and
the United States.
Containing, besides the large number of Astronomical Calculations
and
the
Farmer’s Calendar for every month in the year, a variety of
New, Useful, Established in
1
& Entertaining Matter.
192 by Robert B.
Goforth under the open
Thomas
sky,
and
(1
766-1846)
list
To Nature’s teachings. -William Cullen Bryant, American poet (1794-1878)
Cover T.M. registered
Copyright© 2009 by Yankee Publishing Incorporated
Library of Congress
in U.S. Patent Office
ISSN 0078-4516
Card No. 56-29681
Original wood engraving by
The Old Farmer’s Almanac • Dublin, 2010
Randy
NH 03444
Miller •
603-563-81
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
1 1 •
Almanac.com 1
ADVERTISEMENT
Bigger, Brighter screen. Larger, backlit
numbers.
doesn’t play music,
It
'^proved
take pictures, or surf the Internet. NEW Jitterbug®.
Introducing the
The new Jitterbug •
the
cell
phone
phone makes
cell
LCD
Bigger, Brighter
It’s
that offers simplicity for everyone.
calling simple! even
screen... easier to see
in daylight •
Comes pre-programmed and
ready to use right
out of the box •
No
•
Live,
contract required
24-hour Jitterbug Operators greet you by
name, connect
and update your Phone Book
calls
and louder volume
1
sound quality
•
Soft ear cushion
•
Comfortable keypad designed to make dialing easy
•
Hearing aid compatible - top ratings
•
Familiar dial tone confirms service (no other
phone has •
in this category cell
this)
low
Service as
for better
as
$14.99* a month
Why pay for minutes you’ll never use! A
Monthly Minutes’ Monthly Rate*
New New
$14.99
$19.99
No add’l charge FREE
No add’l charge FREE
Operator Assistance 91
1
Access
Long Distance
Calls
Voice Dial
Nationwide Coverage
n
Other plans
available.
Ask your Jitterbug expert
ever
wanted the
features telling
security
value! 5
a friendly 30-day return policy.** If you’ve
and convenience of a
and minutes you don’t
Car Charger.
$24
for details.
month* and
Service as low as $14.99 a
and receive a free
A
30 days
30 days
Trial Period
Free Gift Order now
cell
need... Jitterbug
phone, but never wanted the fancy is
for you. Like
me,
you’ll
soon be
your friends about Jitterbug. Call now.
Jitterbug Cell Call
jifterf) 11 o
firstSTKEEJ
now
Phone
for our lowest price.
Please mention promotional code 38026.
brought to you byi I
-888-763-5 58 1
O'
www.firststreetonline.com IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: restrictions
may
the length of the
apply. 'For call
Subject to
Customer Agreement,
each Operator service, you’ll be charged a 5-minute "Operator assistance fee”
with the Operator and any
call
in additional
to the minutes used both for
connected by the Operator. *Not including surcharges and government
the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set-up fee ($35). ffCoverage and service not available everywhere. available for a limited
TechnoBrands^,
Samsung
2
Inc.
time only, ^Please
Copyright
©2009
Electronics America, Inc. and
visit
www.jitterbug.com for further information about terms and conditions.
GreatCall,
its
Inc.,
Jitterbug
is
a registered
trademark of GreatCall,
5
and credit approval. Other changes and
select calling plans
Inc.
Samsung
is
taxes. fAII plans require s
This GreatCall offer
All rights
reserved
a registered
is
©2007
trademark of
related entities.
Find more heavenly details at Almanac.com.
2010
—
!
you suffer from
\ l
!
!
Constipation
Restless Legs
Headaches Arthritis
Back Pain Diabetes Neuropathy
Poor Circulation Insomnia Sleep Apnea
Fibromyalgia
Edema
High Blood Pressure
! !
Syndrome
Stress
ib Joint Pain
You
will
enjoy using the Exerciser 2000
Elite
1
i
some of the benefits of aerobic exercise without stress or impact on the joints!
Receive
Energize the body
Relaxation of the
Increased mobility
back muscles Increase circulation
Helps relieve stiffness from head to toe
Dont be
S
throughout the body
fooled
by cheap
This
imitations
FEATURES Built in
•
an ISO-9001
CERTIFIED
facility
FDA
•
ETL Approval
•
5-speed operation
•
2 pre-programmed selections
Invest in your health today... it’s a sure thing.
one
for relaxation
one
for energizing
Heavy
•
Wide cushioned ankle 16 minute
•
digital
rest
timer
4 years parts and 2
it
years labor warranty
I
saw
for four
themselves
lymph
little
models available
oxygenating
.
in maintaining mobility
thanks to the Exerciser 2000. C. Cordes
220/230 volt
fluid,
immune
back
freeing up the spine, and become a spine that had
I
x 9.5" high
home. It is moving
the blood, increasing system function,
months now.
have very
at
in a valuable asset
am more regular, and sleep much better
15" wide x 13.5"
deep
benefit enables people to
pain,
•Weighs only 15 pounds •
it. I
have loved your product for many years now and couldn’t live without one. It truly is the best product on the market. and I would never pay a person to do what this does better. You have the control of 1
say
your ad two years ago and thought it wouldn’t help me. But, I ordered one anyway. I have used
with safety shut-off •
I would As a Chiropractor, 2000 the Exerciser
I have had such lower back pain that I could
hardly stand
duty, high
torque DC motor •
How it Works
Class Registered
•
— —
is
The machine creates a right to left movement that gently moves the body back and forth. This gentle swinging motion cycles up through the whole body, increasing flexibility and range of motion.
1
'
1
stiff
and
— Garry
it all.
many
arthritic.
G.,
.
.and
I
love that.
It
definitely pays for itself
times over!
— Kathy C.
D C.
for
International use
-$464 95 -
i
.....
!
visa
.
DISCOVER
d
L_0
For additional information and more reviews from our satisfied customers visit
www.clarkenterprises2000.com
Use code G300 when ordering by phone or website and receive factory direct pricing $ 389.95
FREE shipping
in the
48 contiguous
states
Mbw
90 Day No Risk Money Back Guarantee If
you are not completely
satisfied,
you can return the machine
terms and conditions subject to change without notice.
ENTERPRISES
2 0 0 0
240 Berg Road,
Salina,
These statements have
KS 67401
1-800-748-7172
been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to
treat,
INC
cttnfsAtuy
for a full refund.
Save $100 on reconditioned units when available. Price,
Clark
7'he hetpiiUfpeepte/faecl 6ctfou
cure or prevent any diseases.
11
BBB
..
...
Contents The Old Farmer’s Almanac
About This Almanac
2010
•
Anniversary 10 Curious Facts
Contact Us
.
.
1,
84
82,
To Patrons
How
8
Use This Almanac
About Mark Twain
.
Astrology
to
105
Secrets of the
229
Zodiac Best Days for 2010
Amusement 32
Blocks
Simple Solutions for Indecisive Times
Moments
.
231
Astronomy
Chips Off the Old
Great
152
.
.
148
in
Eclipses
88
Bright Stars
90
The Twilight Zone and Meteor Showers. 92 .
the History of
The
Visible Planets
.
..
94
186
Laughter
Astronomical
The Man
Who Shot
Everyone
in
Town
96
Glossary
200
.
Giant Jupiter Pays
Reader Essay
Maddening Mind-Manglers Anecdotes
98
a Visit
222
Contest
Calendar .
.
.
227
&
Pleasantries
Calendar Pages.
.
110- 137
Glossary of Almanac
252
Oddities
138
SPECIAL REPORT 174
The Old (and New) Farmer’s Essential
Manure Manual
(continued on page 6)
4
There ’s more of everything at Almanac.com.
2010
L
.
ADVERTISEMENT
A Moit lJvlplSpluL Qvpfc oj'Love THE POEM READS:
"Act‘itSS
n
i
lee|j,
S A3
3 O 4-'
II m u 5 E 1 O Oi
rj
c cj'S ° 2 thick!
saves time and energy. Most
tranches can be dropped into the hopper and self-feed,
will
instead of you having to force-feed them.
HARNESS YOUR TRACTOR'S POWER! I
The 3-Point Hitch >5
HP
DR® CHIPPER
transforms up to
of tractor power into raw chipping power!
’RO-SPEC " CHIPPER KNIFE orged alloy tool
Jurable than
stamped
VO TRACTOR? ielf-
making
an excellent edge-holding
vith
1
steel,
it
is
made
of
exceptionally strong
ability.
Far
more
steel knives.
NO PROBLEM!
Powered Models with engines
ip to
18
HP available!
Get a FREE FREE
step
DVD and
Catalog
800 - 731-0493
www.DRchipper.com
Astronomy
The Visible Planets Listed here for Boston are viewing suggestions for and the rise and set times (EST/EDT) of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn on specific days each month, as well as when it is best to view Mercury. Approximate rise and set times for other days can be found by interpolation. Use the Key Letters at the right of each listing to convert the times for other localities (see pages 106 and 234). For all planet rise and set times by zip code, Almanac.com/Astronomy.
visit
Venus
0
Venus starts the year
first
become visible
invisibly
behind the Sun.
slowly climbs higher in the evening twilight to
It
in early April.
in March and floats near Mercury Venus increases its height above the
when
sunset until June,
it
starts getting brighter but
below Saturn during August 6-8. Its brilliance peaks in late September, but it vanishes well ahead of its inferior conjunction on October 28. Speedily entering the eastern predawn sky, Venus climbs rapidly in November in both elevation and brightness and is a superb morning star in December at magnitude -4.9, when it comes up nearly 3 hours ahead of the Sun. lower, and
is
.rise
7:07
E
Apr.
...set
8:48
D
July
1
...set
10:43
E
Oct.
1
...set
7:11
A
Jan. 11... ...set
4:27
A
Apr. 11
..
...set
9:13
July
11... ...set
10:30
11.. ...set
6:29
A
B B B
Apr. 21
..
July
21...
10:14
D D
Oct.
Jan. 21
E E E E E E E E
...set
5:43
A
C C C
Nov. 1 ... ..rise Nov. 1 1 ..rise Nov. 21. ..rise Dec. 1 ... ..rise Dec. 11 ..rise Dec. 21 ..rise Dec. 31. ..rise
7:03 4:54
D
Jan.
1
Feb.
...
...set
4:51
1 ....
...set
5:19
Feb. 11
..
...set
5:45
Feb. 21
..
...set
6:11
Mar.
1 .... ...set
6:31
Mar.
11.. ...set
6:56
Mar. 21.. ...set
8:20
May May May
C C C D
1
....
...set
9:39
1.... ...set
10:03
11
...set
10:24
21.. ...set
10:41
..
June 1.... ...set 10:52 June 11 .. ...set 10:55 June 21.. ...set 10:52
Aug. 1 ... ...set Aug. 11 ...set Aug. 21 ...set
9:53
Sept.
8:43
.
9:33
.
9:10
1 ... ...set
Sept. 11
...set
8:16
Sept. 21
...set
7:46
B B B
....
Oct. 21
.
E
3:22
D D D
3:20
D
3:25
E
4:04 3:35
Mars is the opposite of Venus, at its best early and gone late in the year. The Orange World comes closest in January and has its opposition on the 29th i
magnitude -1.2, in Cancer, outshining every star It remains bright throughout the spring, losing half of its light each month. Binocular users can observe Mars passing very near Cancer’s Beehive star cluster from April 16-19; it strikingly meets Leo’s blue star, Regulus, during the first ten days of June. Much lower and fainter. Mars skims below Saturn during July 28-August 1, is near Venus from August 15-22, and then vanishes from sight in October. at
except Sirius.
..rise
7:11
B
Apr.
...set
4:01
Jan. 11... ..rise
6:19
A A A
Apr. 11
..
...set
3:28
Apr. 21
..
...set
2:57
1 ....
...set
2:27
Jan.
1
Jan. 21
......rise
5:20
.......rise
4:13
..
...set
..
...set
6:29 5:40
Feb.
1
Feb.
1 1
Feb. 21
Mar. Mar.
1.... ...set
11.. ...set
Mar. 21
.
...set
Bold =
94
p.m.
5:02 4:19 4:40
tSP
May May May
E E E E E
Light
June June June
=
1
....
1:58
11..
21.. ...set
1:30
...set
1:00
1 1 .. ...set
12:32
1 ....
21.. ...set 12:05
E E E E E E
July
1
...set
11:35
D
Oct.
1
...set
7:42
July
11... ...set
11:08
Oct.
11... ...set
7:22
July
21... ...set
10:41
Aug. 1 ... ...set 10:11 Aug. 11 ...set 9:45 Aug. 21 ...set 9:19
C C C C C
D D D
Sept.
1 ... ...set
8:52
B
Sept.
1 1
...set
8:28
Sept. 21
...set
8:04
B B
Dec. Dec.
.
Oct. 21
Nov. Nov. Nov.
..
...set
7:03
1 ....
...set
6:44
11.. ...set
5:30
21.. ...set
5:18
1 .... ...set
5:08
11.. ...set
5:02
Dec. 21.. ...set Dec. 31.. ...set
4:57
-illustrations.
a.m.
Find more heavenly details
....
at
Almanac.com.
4:55 Beth
B B B
A A A A A A A
Krommes
2010
.
.
..
* r
Astronomy
Jupiter Jupiter has a truly extraordinary year.
comes closer to Earth than
On September
any time since 1963, achieving a stunning brilliance of magnitude -2.9 against the faint stars of Pisces. Beginning the year low in the southwest, it is lost in the Sun’s glare until emerging in the predawn east in April. It rises 2 hours earlier each month thereafter, coming up at midnight in July and nightfall in September. In mid-September, it hovers near blue-green Uranus, visible with binoculars. Jupiter continues to dominate the night sky for the rest of the year. I
l
Jan.
21
it
,
1 ....
Jan. 11.. Jan. 21
...set
7:11
...set
6:41
.
...set
6:13
.
..rise
6:51
...
..rise
6:24
..rise
5:50 6:16
Feb.
1 1
Feb. 21
Mar. 1 1 Mar. 2 1
I
7:39
..
1
1
8:07
...set
...
Feb.
Mar.
....set .
.
..rise
With
its
B B B B B
D D D D
rings nearly
at
Apr.
1
....
..rise
5:39
Apr.
1 1 ..
..rise
5:05
.
..rise
4:31
...
..rise
3:56
.
..rise
3:21
.
..rise
2:46
...
..rise
2:07
Apr. 2
May May May
2
June
1
1
1
1 1 1
June 1 1 June 21
.
..rise
1:31
..rise
12:54
D C C C C C C C C
1
12:17 11:35
July
21......rise
10:56
...rise 10:13 Aug. Aug. 11.,...rise 9:33 Aug. 21 ...rise 8:52 1
...
,
Sept.
1
Sept.
1 1
......rise
.
8:07
...rise
7:25
...set
6:35
Sept. 21
C C C C C C C C C
...set
5:49
Oct. 11
..
...set
5:04
Oct. 21
..
...set
4:19
Nov. 1 ... ...set Nov. 1 1 ...set Nov. 21 ...set Dec. 1.... ...set Dec. 11.. ...set Dec. 21.. ...set Dec. 31.. ...set
3:32
Oct.
1
....
.
.
1:51 1:11
12:33 11:53 11:19
10:46
C C C C C C C C c c
its
the
year as a moderately bright “star” rising due east it
1.... ..rise
11......rise
on edge, Saturn has an opposi-
tion on March 21 that will prove to be dimmest of the next 4 years. Still, after beginning 10:30 p.m. in Virgo,
July
July
rises at
8:30 p.m.
in
at
mid-February
March, when it’s out all night. At magnitude 0.5, Saturn outshines all but four of Remaining visible through the summer during the first half of the night, it floats above the Moon on May 22, hovers above Mars during the last days of July and on August 1, and is too low to be seen after September. In November, it returns low in the southeast just before sunrise. and
at nightfall in
the night’s stars.
Jan.
1
Jan.
1 1
...rise
11:13
..
...rise
10:35
..
...rise
9:55
...
...rise
9:10
....
Jan. 21
Feb.
1
Feb.
1 1
.
...rise
8:29
Feb. 21
.
...rise
7:46
1 ...
...rise
7:12
...set
6:48
....set
7:07
Mar.
Mar. 1 1 Mar. 2 1
..
.
C C c c c c c c c
Apr.
1 ....
...set
6:22
Apr.
1 1 ..
...set
5:41
Apr. 21
May May May June June June
..
...set
5:01
1 ....
...set
1 1
..
...set
4:20 3:40
21
..
...set
3:00
1 ....
...set
2:16
1 1 ..
...set
1:37
21.. ...set 12:58
C c c c c c c c c
July
1
...set
12:19
July
11... ...set
11:37
July 21... ...set 10:59
Aug. 1 ... ...set 10:18 Aug. 11 ...set 9:41 Aug. 21 ...set 9:04 .
.
Sept.
...set
8:23
Sept. 11
...set
7:46
Sept. 21
...set
7:10
1
...
C C C C C C C C C
Oct.
set
6:33
Oct. 11
....rise
6:04
Oct. 21
....rise
5:31
rise
4:54
...rise
3:20
1
Nov. 1 Nov. 1 1 Nov. 21 Dec. 1 Dec. 11 Dec. 21 Dec. 31
...rise
2:46
rise
2:12
...rise
1:36
...rise
1:00
...rise
12:24
C C c c c c c c c c
Mercury
B 1
Mercury
is
best seen
exceeds magnitude
28-April
1 1
.
when
0.5. In
it’s at least 7 degrees high in deepening twilight and its brightness 2010, these conditions occur 40 minutes after sunset only from March
Look for Mercury low
in the west, close to Venus. Its less favorable
occur during January 16-30 and September 15-29 and |
at the
morning appearances
end of December.
DO NOT CONFUSE
Venus with Mercury in early April. Venus is 15 times brighter. Mars with and early August. Mars is orange. Saturn with Virgo’s main star, Spica, just before dawn from late November through December. Spica is dimmer and appears blue. Saturn
2010
in late
July
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
95
Astronomical Glossary Aphelion (Aph.): The point in a bit that is farthest from the Sun.
planet’s or-
Apogee
Moon’s
The point
(Apo.):
bit that is farthest
in the
or-
from Earth.
Celestial Equator (Eq.): The imaginary
cir-
cle around the celestial sphere that can be
thought of as the plane of Earth’s equator projected out onto the sphere.
Celestial Sphere:
An
Moon imaginary sphere pro-
jected into space that represents the entire sky, with an observer
on Earth
its
inside surface.
Circumpolar: Always
visible
zon, such as a circumpolar
Conjunction: The time celestial bodies
at
above the hori-
The Moon blocks only part of the Sun.
The apparent annual path of the Sun around the celestial sphere. The plane of Ecliptic:
the ecliptic
is
tipped 231/2° from the celestial
equator. star.
which two or more
appear closest
in the sky. Infe-
Mercury or Venus is between the Sun and Earth. Superior (Sup.): The Sun is between a planet and Earth. Actual dates for rior (Inf.):
conjunctions are given
Partial:
at its center.
All celestial bodies other than Earth are imag-
ined as being on
appears silhouetted against the Sun, with a ring of sunlight showing around it.
in the Right-Hand Calen-
Elongation: The difference in degrees between the celestial longitudes of a planet and the Sun. Greatest Elongation (Gr. Elong.):
The
greatest apparent distance of a planet
from the Sun, as seen from Earth.
A number from 1 to 30 that indicates Moon’s age on January 1 at Greenwich,
Epact:
dar Pages, 111-137; the best times for viewing
the
the closely aligned bodies are given in Sky Watch
England; used for determining the date of
on the Left-Hand Calendar Pages, 110-136.
Easter.
Declination: The celestial latitude of an obmeasured in degrees north or south of the celestial equator; analogous to latitude on Earth. This Almanac gives the
ject in the sky,
Sun’s declination
at
noon.
the
Evening Star: A planet
Eclipse, Lunar: The full Moon enters the shadow of Earth, which cuts off all or part of the sunlight reflected off the
When
Sun crosses the celestial two times each year: Vernal is around March 20 and Autumnal is September 22 or 23. Equinox:
equator. This event occurs
Moon. Total: The
western horizon east of the
Sun
at
that is above the sunset and less than 180°
in right ascension.
Golden Number: A number in the 9-year cycle of the Moon, used for determining the date 1
Moon
passes completely through the
(central dark part) of Earth’s
umbra
shadow. Partial:
Moon passes through the umbra. Penumbral: The Moon passes through only the penumbra (area of partial darkness Only
part of the
surrounding the umbra). See page 88 for more
of Easter. (Approximately every 19 years, the
Moon’s phases occur on
Eclipse, Solar: Earth enters the shadow of
new Moon, which
cuts off
all
or part of
the Sun’s light. Total: Earth passes through the
umbra
(central dark part) of the
Moon’s
shadow, resulting in totality for observers within a narrow band on Earth. Annular: The
96
Get local
rise, set,
same
dates.)
Add
to
remainder, the Golden
eclipse information.
the
the
any given year and divide by 19; the remainder is the Golden Number. If there is no 1
Number is
Greatest Illuminated Extent Ext.):
When
planet
is
the
maximum
19.
(Gr. Ilium.
surface area of a
illuminated as seen from Earth.
Magnitude: A measure of a celestial object’s brightness. Apparent magnitude measures the brightness of an object as see from Earth.
and tide times
at
Almanac.com.
2010
.
Astronomy
Objects with an apparent magnitude of 6 or less are observable to the naked eye. The
When
lower the magnitude, the greater the brightness. An object with a magnitude of -1, for example, is brighter than an object with a magnitude of +1. Absolute magnitude expresses how bright objects would appear if they were all the same distance (about 33 light-years) from Earth.
moving from north
Midnight: Astronomical midnight
is
the
time when the Sun is opposite its highest point in the sky (noon). Midnight is neither a.m. norp.M., although 12-hour digital clocks typically display midnight as 1 2:00 a.m. On a 24-hour time cycle, 00:00, rather than 24:00, usually indicates midnight.
the
body
tial
to south
Occultation (Occn.):
When
the
is
highest above or farthest below the celestial equator.
Moonrise/Moonset: When above or
sets
Moon
the
rises
below the horizon.
i
!
which it is illuminated by the Sun. First Quarter: Right half of the Moon is illuminated. Full: The Sun and the Moon are in op-
Moon is illuminated. Last Quarter: Left half of the Moon is illuminated. Now: The Sun and the Moon are in conjunction; the entire disk of the Moon is darkened.
Moon’s Place, Astronomical: The position of the
actual
Moon within the constellations
on the celestial sphere. Astrological: The astrological position of the
Moon
within the zo-
diac, according to calculations j
made more
than 2,000 years ago. Because of precession of the equinoxes and other factors, this is not the
or a
(elongation 180°).
Perigee (Perig.): The point
in the
Moon’s
orbit that is closest to Earth.
Perihelion (Perth.): The point orbit that
is
in a planet’s
closest to the Sun.
Precession: The slowly changing position of the stars and equinoxes in the sky resulting in the orientation of Earth’s
axis.
Moon’s
actual position in the sky.
Morning Star:
A
planet that
is
above the
eastern horizon at sunrise and less than 180°
west of the Sun in right ascension.
Node: Either of the two points where a celestial body’s orbit intersects the ecliptic. Ascending:
2010
celestial lon-
gitude of an object in the sky, measured east-
ward along the celestial equator in hours of time from the vernal equinox; analogous to longitude on Earth.
Solar Cycle:
Moon’s Phases: The changing appearance of the Moon, caused by the different angles at
position; the entire disk of the
‘
Moon
Opposition: The Moon or a planet appears on the opposite side of the sky from the Sun
Right Ascension (R.A.): The
I
is
of the ecliptic.
equator.
Moon Rides High/Runs Low: The Moon
:
to north
When the body
planet eclipses a star or planet.
from variations
Moon on Equator: The Moon is on the celes-
moving from south
is
of the ecliptic. Descending:
of 28 years,
month
In the Julian calendar, a period
at the
end of which the days of the same days of the week.
return to the
Solstice,
Summer: When
the
Sun reaches
its
greatest declination (23 Vi°) north of the celes-
equator, around June 21. Winter:
tial
Sun reaches
the
(23 /2 1
0 )
its
When
greatest declination
south of the celestial equator, around
December 2 1 Stationary (Stat.): The brief period of apparent halted movement of a planet against the background of the stars shortly before it appears to move backward/westward (retrograde motion) or forward/eastward (direct motion).
Sun Fast/Slow: When
a sundial reading ahead of (fast) or behind (slow) clock time.
is
Sunrise/Sunset: The visible rising and setting of the upper edge of the Sun’s disk across the unobstructed horizon of an observer whose eyes are 15 feet above ground level. Twilight: For definitions of civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight, see page 92.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
97
All hail
and
behold
this
sky king!
2010,
In
it's
closer than ever.
unkind has observed Jupiter for millennia; no single person discovered brilliant,
moving
this
It
was one of five
(now known
to be planets)
heavenly body.
"stars”
called "wanderers” by ancient Greeks. In
mythology, ruler of
was known
it
Roman
as Jupiter, or Jove ("father”),
the skies.
This year, we're calling
it
“simply awesome.”
Not since 1963 has Jupiter been so close, so so easily seen
Sun Each
the
—
a result of
its
that will take nearly 12 Earth years.
year. Jupiter visits a different
zodiacal constellations (making track),
and for
both opposite
by
bright,
slow, oval orbit around
1
month each
(or. in
it
one of the 12
the easiest planet to
year, the planet appears
opposition to) the Sun
and
at its
B .Qb,B..enDjaa.. -photo. NASA' Johns Hopkins University Southwest Research Institute
,
Astronomy position closest to Earth. This combination results
best-viewing time for us.
in a
Of course, some “bests” are better than others. When Jupiter’s orbit traverses the lower, or south-
GO,
ern, zodiac constellations (e.g., Scorpius), the
view from Earth appears to be through smudgier air
because people are gazing through more of
Earth’s atmosphere. Conversely,
when
in the higher constellations (Taurus or
we
much
see the planet with
Jupiter
is
the only
place from which Jupiter can be seen to reach
Space Administration (NASA)
T
has successfully sent a number of probes to Jupiter. One,
named
Galileo orbited the planet
From 2010 through
zenith.)
its
he National Aeronautics and
is
Gemini),
less distortion. (In
the United States and Canada, Hawaii
s’
and sent back images
2015, Jupiter will be in northern
minimal
constellations, with torting
of
dis-
air.
swirling storms
its
and
details
on
its
moons, as well as
Jupiter advances a
month each
year. In recent years (2007,
indications that
its
2008,
moon
Europa has
and 2009), Jupiter was best
liquid
water under
viewed in June, July, and August,
mile-thick surface ice.
respectively. In 2010,
ber
(its
while
it
is at its
its
opposition
is
best in Septem-
on September 20, on September 21). It will
closest approach
is
hover just 367 million miles away and shine
at
magnitude -2.5. If you are
vide clear skies
sky king 3
is
Next August, NASA's Jupiter Polar Orbiter (Juno) will leave Earth
begin a 5-year
flight
Planet, arriving in 2016.
on these
fails to
pro-
collect data
nights, don’t despair.
The
structure,
out most of the night and visible 2 to
months before and
after opposition
— in
on the
and
to the Giant
Juno
orbit Jupiter's polar regions
busy or Mother Nature
its
will
and
planet's size,
atmosphere, temperature,
and winds.
this
case, the entire last half of the year.
Finding Jupiter should be easy. Beginning
in
mid- August, look halfway up the southern sky for the night’s brightest
star.
This
is
Jupiter! Dazzling
and astonishingly conspicuous against the stars
of Pisces,
it
faint
will stand at its highest at 2:00
a.m. (In July, early birds can catch a glimpse at
4:00a.M.)
(continued)
Artists’ renditions of the
and the Jupiter Polar
space probe Galileo, above, NASA
Orblter, at right
99
0
Astronomy As its
the year winds
down, Jupiter
will be at
best earlier each month: at midnight in Sep-
Jupiter
I
tember (look for green Uranus hovering nearby in
midmonth),
p.m. in
Want
ber.
at
at nightfall in
at
7:00
Decem-
and
set
the
times in your zip or postal
Almanac.com/Astronomy.
No one the
10:00 p.m. in October,
make an appointment? Get
to
planet’s rise
code
at
November, and
needs to miss
this night
Europa
show. Even
most inexpensive backyard telescope or
steadily braced binoculars will inspire
and ahhhs. Jupiter reveals more
ooohs
m
through
detail
amateur instruments than any other planet (60x magnification
is ideal). If
Callisto
Ganymede
you are not equipped, and four of
contact an astronomy club (www.astronomy-
Jupiter
clubs.com) or a university (www.publictele-
in relative positions,
its
moons are shown
but not to scale.
scopes.com) about getting a look through a lens. In 2010, the quadricentennial of Galileo’s
heavenly discoveries, the view
— by
Jove!
—
Kina-size
should be nothing short of amazing!
Curiosities by the Numbers
Jupiter
Jupiter reigns over a miniature solar
Diameter:
Mass
1
1
Earths
(quantity of matter): 318 Earths
Volume:
1
,31
1 1
at least
63 moons,
huge and ever-changing
lo,
Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto
2 Earths
Length of year:
system of
including
(named the
.86 Earth years
Galilean Satellites in
Galileo's honor).
Length of day: 9 hours 56 minutes rotation,
Its
Surface temperature: -234°F Density: 'A of Earth's
would weigh 240
is
faster
than
streaks: dark areas (belts) indicate
Gravity: 2.4 times stronger than on Earth (a 100-lb. person
which
that of any other planet, creates
lbs.
on
clouds and gases;
rising
(zones) indicate
where
light
areas
belts sink.
Jupiter)
Magnetic force: 14 times stronger than
Earth's
Average distance from the Sun: More than 5 times Earth's Closest distance to Earth: 367 million miles
Brightness, on average: Magnitude -2.3
Natural satellites (moons): More than 63
It
spins fast at
slowly at
tums
its
clash,
its
poles;
gaseous layers produce
violent eddies, curlicues, swirls, white spots,
and the famous Great Red
Spot-a hurricane three times the of Earth. (You can
when 100
equator and
where the momen-
Earth's air
is
see
this
size
on nights
steady.)
(continued)
ADVERTISEMENT
FREE CAREER INFORMATION Get Your Career Diploma At Home! Are you unhappy in your job and wish you could better living? Stratford Institute can offer you the solution: training at
new
current
earn a Career perfect
home
for a
career.
Send
for your FREE Information kit
today. Learn everything you
know about
training at
need to
home
for a
rewarding career. Mail this coupon today, or
call toll-free, at:
800 363-0058
1-
-
Call
ext.
9138
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
www.scitraining.com Enter ID. # SOA99A (d PLEASE CHECK
ONE PROGRAM ONLY
High School
Dental Assistant
Accounting
Drafting with
Administrative Assistant
/
Secretary
Art
Astrology
/
Parapsychology
Drug & Alcohol Counseling Early Childhood Education English as a Second
Bookkeeping
Florist / Floral
Management Day Care Management
Business
Language
Design
Forensic Science
Nursing Assistant
PC Repair Pharmacy Assistant Photography Physical Therapy Aide Plumbing Private Investigator
Work
Funeral Service Education
Psychology
Child Psychology
Gardening
Real Estate Appraiser
Computer Programming Computer Training
Home
Inspector
Sewing & Dressmaking
Hotel
& Restaurant Management
Small Engine Repair
Contractor
/
Construction
Cooking & Catering Cosmetology / Esthetics
/
Medical Transcriptionist
AutoCAD®
Electrician
Q Auto Mechanics Child
365s
Management
/
Landscaping
/ Social
Own
Interior Decorating
Start
Legal Assistant
Teacher Aide
/
Paralegal
Locksmith
Your
Business
Veterinary Assistant
Creative Writing
Medical Billing Specialist
Video
Criminal Justice
Medical Office Assistant
Wedding Consultant
YES! Send me FREE information on the program I have am under no obligation and no salesperson will ever call.
Game
selected!
Name
Age
Address
Apt.
Design
SOA99A
Stratford Career Institute
City/ State
Zip
12 Champlain
Commons
PO Box 1560 8
E-mail
Saint Albans,
I
2010
VT 05478-5560 I
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
101
Astronomy Galileo's Destiny:
Discovery and Downfall
( xactly
Museum of the History of Science Web site, www.imss.fi.it.) When Galileo turned his
400 years ago, Galileo
Galilei (1564-1642) and Jupiter
changed the order of
primitive instrument toward
the universe.
By around
1608, spyglasses and magnifying devices had
become popular. Du-
plicating
one such instrument,
the sky, the universe re-
vealed
leather into a tube into
which he set one concave and one con-
vex glass
lens.
The
result
was a
wonders. The
Moon, long thought
Galileo had painstakingly fashioned
wood and
its
re-
fracting telescope with three-power
to
be a
smooth-surfaced body with seas, appeared pockmarked with mountains and craters. The creamy glow of the Milky Way burst into untold separate stars. The Sun, believed to
be a flawless object, could be seen
(3x) magnification. Later models
would boast 9x, 20x, and eventually 30x magnification. (Watch informative videos at Italy’s Institute
and
Galileo’s telescope proved that Jupiter's
moons
orbited the Giant Planet, but this
contradiction to church doctrine would later seal his fate.
i
ADVERTISEMENT
Now Save 65% plus FREE Home Delivery
© Simply
Yes,
we can match your battery
size for all
major brands.
Batteries®,
BEST BATTERY VALUE \Home
%^Lowest premium battery price
39 (
Inc.
delivery Special
with FREE shipping
Introductory Offer
%JI/lade in the
\puaranteed
USA
fresh
Limited to
two
orders per household
You can count on Energizer hearing aid batteries. Order today and SAVE 65%. Most common retail price is $1.12 per battery ($44.80 for 40 batteries) plus sales tax. Not from Simply Batteries®. Today you can save over $30 on your battery order! Your cost
is
only $15.60 for 40 hearing aid batteries.
That's just 39WTBela.Ky died. 1938 dflflgeruled "aspirin" is generic (9.6 * 1 trademark
explanations.)
High
and
[
TV Guide.
th* sutt fMnes on Easter Day. « (7 RUNS * vi>. low • u shines on Whitsunday likewise.
designation
W
{ 10.2
.
of
^Monday
A to G), a tradition-
al ecclesiastical
- Jg ifl!£T“
1
10. 10.2
(
10.3
could that
{
las
Mark » William Shakespeare baptized, 1564 #
1 10.S
be
| j^
Almanac terms, see the glossaries on pages 96, 138, and 241.
Predicting Earthquakes Note the dates Pages
when
the
The date of
in the Right-Hand Calendar
Moon
rides high or runs low.
the high begins the
most
likely
five-day period of earthquakes in the Northern Hemisphere; the date of the low indicates a similar five-day period in the South-
ern Hemisphere. Also noted are the two days
each month when the
108
Moon
is
on the celes-
tial
equator, indicating the most likely time
for earthquakes in either hemisphere.
Find more heavenly details at Almanac.com.
2010
Throughout the Right-Hand Calendar Pages are groups of symbols that represent notable celestial events. The symbols and names of the principal planets
©
Sun