Mars and a Colourful Lunar Fog Bow

Arching across the lower part of the image above is a rare lunar fog bow. Unlike a more commonly seen rainbow, which is created by sunlight reflected prismatically by falling rain, this fog bow was created by moonlight reflected by the small water drops that compose fog. Although most fog bows appear white, all of the colours of the rainbow were somehow visible here. The above image was taken from high atop Haleakala, a huge volcano in Hawaii, USA, by Wally Pacholka. 2 Feb 2010 APOD

Monday, 22 February 2010

Moon Calendar

The Moon Calendar I am using is very handy. However, I have already noticed a potential problem. I was going to sow some tomato seeds and broad beans yesterday as the Calendar said that the Moon was in Aires, a Fire sign, therefore a good time to sow fruiting or seed bearing plants.

I had visited a couple of astrological blogs in the morning and had seen that the Moon was in Taurus, not Aries and therefore while good for potatoes or other root veg may not be auspicious for the toms and broadies. I guess as the Moon is up at night then it may well have been in Aries overnight between Saturday and Sunday but would then be in Taurus the following day/night. Still learning about all this so the potatoes got done and I will leave the sowing of the others until the next Fire day/night.

 

Here are the first half of the 40 seed potatoes I got on Saturday. In their egg boxes to keep them upright and sat on a North facing windowsill that gets light but not direct. Should take about 2-3 weeks for the shoots to appear and they can be planted out when the shoots are about 2-3cm long. I've left the others in the paper bags in my porch which is nice and cool. They may start to sprout but more slowly in the colder temperature.

On the left of the photo are the Desiree a red skinned main crop potato and then the Charlottes, a second early salad/new potato. Then the Red Duke of York which is a first early and the Nicola another second early, though on one website it said main crop.

First Early potatoes take 10-14 weeks from planting to crop.
Second Early potatoes take 14-18 weeks.
Main Crop take 18-20 weeks.

All of the above is dependent on weather and soil conditions plus the all essential watering. The watering seems to be a subject of different opinions. I have read that every 2 weeks is enough and elsewhere that it needs to be at least once a week and if South facing more frequently, particularly if hot and dry. Trial and error for me here. As long as I don't let them dry out I should get something to show for it.
Posted by at 10:47
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