A weekly feature on the timing of outdoor occurrences
In an effort to bring more seasonal sanity to our lives, this is the last episode of The Nature of Phenology—but before we go, let’s revisit the joys and importance of phenology that we hopefully highlighted these past 7 ½ years.
The next time Maine will experience a total solar eclipse will be 55 years from now, so this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.
On cold, clear nights, almost imperceptible ice crystals will form high up in the atmosphere creating arcs and halos of light around the glowing moon.
Right now, situated on the dark side of the calendar year spanning 2023 and 2024, we are at an auroral peak.
Regardless of where you are from in the north, the difference feels severe between the summer solstice, when our planet is tipped towards the sun like a gentleman bowing to a dignitary, and the winter solstice, when our planet seems to be leaning away from the light like a vampire at dawn.
The peak of the Orionid meteor shower this year is 10/21/23. What causes them and why do these happen this time every year?
There are so many tools we can use to predict the weather or the severity of winter…which ones are the most accurate?
Wooly bears are on the move in order to find a spot to spend the winter as caterpillars,
Now is the time to go find the nodding otherworldly flowers of a carnivorous pitcher plant in a bog near you.
This native, woody vine has important wildlife value and is fruiting now.
The Nature of Phenology 