Mars distance changes over time - Valley Morning Star : Education

Mars distance changes over time - Valley Morning Star : Education

April 2014

This year April is an active month geologically and astronomically. As I write, earthquakes rattle Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Krakatau, and the USA; tsunamis thrash the shores of Chile, Hawaii, Japan; and volcanoes plume in Krakatau, Ubinas and Yellowstone. During this time of heightened solar activity, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic movement are all too common.

On April 8, 2014, earth will be sandwiched directly between the sun and Mars. Mars will be closest to earth on April 14.

Eclipses:

April 15-Total Lunar Eclipse

April 29-Annular Solar Eclipse

Because of early budding flowers, April 15^th’s full moon is known as the Pink Moon. April culminates with the Lyrids meteor shower occurring from April 16 through April 25. Stargazers expect from 10 to 20 meteors per hour on April 22^nd.

And on April 4^th, 2014, Pluto’s alignment with Jupiter and the Earth fosters chatter about Zero Gravity Day. Nonsense or not, at precisely 9:47 a.m. (no time zone mentioned), Earth is rumored to experience zero gravity. Theoretically, this astronomical alignment causes a reduction in gravity enabling us to float. I wonder, what will happen with the automobiles and the furniture?

April gives more reason to simply, ‘Love Your World’!

 

This great year hosts four eclipses:

2014 Apr 15: Total Lunar Eclipse

2014 Apr 29: Annular Solar Eclipse

2014 Oct 08: Total Lunar Eclipse

2014 Oct 23: Partial Solar Eclipse

 

Plant Life

Recently, entomologists Consuelo De Moraes Ph.D. and Dr. Mark Mescher have proof that plant roots forage through soil for nutrients. With time-lapse photography, they have documented root tentacle movement in search of the richest surrounding soil. That is not the best part. The most exciting discovery is that plants emit SOS chemistry when stressed to attract bugs that will attack their stressors. We smell this green leaf volatile chemical odor and perceive it as perfume.

The most captivating botanical thus far is the nocturnal tobacco plant that blooms at dusk. Its growth is initiated by wildfire. Its secret chemical weapon to poison bugs that feed on its leaves is nicotine. Its leaves release a scent to attract bugs that eat the caterpillars that feed on it; a fascinating finding.

Plants do not have brains, but they have a natural intelligent sense that has sustained them since earth came into existence.

For further reading, see: The theory of Gene Perception and Response

and the dodder plant

Mudslides

Over-harvesting of trees is the leading cause of mudslides. When it rains, entangled tree roots absorb moisture keeping the surrounding soil in place. This perfect system prevents mud from sliding. Trees provide canopy shade, beauty, nourishment, air; and are needed to stabilize the soil and our environment. We risk the travel of a slippery slope, when we remove the tree and its stump.

Mudslides occur usually as the results of a heavy rain on an incline where trees were removed. Conversely, dust storms happen when trees and its roots are removed from flat land; there is nothing to hold the soil in place. Therefore, soil blows in the wind.

 

SOLUTION: Limit the amount of trees that are killed. The earth gives forth several mature crops per season of strong and enduring weeds. These weeds have been used for millennia for everything from making medicines, furniture, fabric; they, also, have the ability to provide sustenance.

Whether hill or plain, life on earth is all about trees!

Equinox

Today the world celebrates the equinox; a 24 hour period of equal day and night. This occurs twice a year. In the northern hemisphere we are enjoying the vernal equinox. Spring has sprung. At this time, eggs can be balanced because of the earth's even position. Complementary southern hemisphere autumnal equinox is experienced simultaneously.

 

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The Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day

What an awe-filled sight in Chicago to see the river run green on St. Patty's Day; the day when everything is 'Green for a Day'. I celebrate everyone’s, everything. And, St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite.

Thoughtful individuals can think of a plethora of ways to make the day fun without opaque-ing the river. Sea life have eyes. One of our duties is to act on behalf of those without voice. Let's be big about doing what is right, without pointing fingers at the way things were done in the past.

SOLUTION: Plant shamrocks along side of the river. That would have a more traditional St. Patrick's Day meaning.

Erin Go Bragh

Trees

We, the stewards of our environment, have a responsibility to cherish the blessings that our earth brings forth, namely trees. We will not survive on earth or anywhere else in the universe without the life giving properties of our oxygen suppling trees.

It is wonderful on Christmas morning to breathe fresh pine on a LED lit tree. But, it is at the expense of our environment. In the United States, the White House and Rockefeller Center have very large trees brought in to greet the season. Some say that these trees are farmed for that purpose. When nature does not develop naturally; and we over harvest, we run the risk of stripping the earth of nutrients. Over time, the soil becomes weak and unable to sustain rich growth.

We must be cognizant of our arrogance to squelch life for a few weeks of enjoyment.

SOLUTION:   Œ Use only the branches from trees to attain the fresh scent
                         Plant pine trees and decorate them every year.

Show your love to trees for they sustain us