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Why are some of the "Artificially pigmented and pierced" generation of parents tattooing the number 2132 under the left arm of their children? Perhaps it is because that is the year this event may reoccur and they wish their issue to remember them at that time of year. Do you like to howl at the moon? Sometimes, do you feel a compulsion to sniff fire hydrants? Does the thought of racing with eyes ablaze, tongue flinging saliva into the night, all senses on hyper drive, running through a snow covered forest seem somehow familiar? If so you may qualify as a certified lunatic. The Moon has a curious effect on Mankind. Man, according to most, is an animal. Our relationship with dogs is a very old one. Perhaps we once ran with wolves. Dancing with them probably came later. So put down the remote and circle December 22, 1999 on your calendar. If you are a dog owner, be sure to take it along for the viewing and observe your pet's and your own behaviour. This year will be the first full Moon to occur on the Winter Solstice, December 22, (the first day of winter). Since a full Moon on the Winter Solstice occurring in conjunction with a lunar perigee (when the Moon's orbit is closest to Earth), the Moon will appear about 14 percent larger than it does at apogee (the point in it's elliptical orbit that is farthest from the Earth). On this date, the Earth is also several million miles closer to the Sun than in the summer. The sunlight striking the Moon nearly seven percent stronger, thus making it brighter. This will be the closest perigee of the Moon of the year since the Moon's orbit is constantly changing. If the weather is clear, flashlights should not be necessary. On December 21, 1866, the Sioux took advantage of this combination of occurrences and staged a devastating ambush on soldiers in the Wyoming Territory. Maybe this is event reinforced the appellation, "Paleface." Here's the gist: It will be a SUPER bright full Moon, much more than the usual. This lunar configuration hasn't occurred this way for 133 years! Our ancestors saw this and our descendants, 100 or so years from now will see this again. Provided of course we have not blown the Blue Marble into tiny little shards. Remember: December 22, 1999. Take some time away from the Telly. Andersen -30- |
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