Did you happen to see the Moon last night? It was nearly full and brightened the lengthening October night. And, did you see the bright star located next to it? Well, that wasn't a star, but the king of the planets, Jupiter. Now that the nights are growing longer, the Moon is climbing higher in the sky during the Autumn and Winter months. If you're wondering, the Full Beaver Moon will happen at 2:16 p.m. EST tomorrow afternoon.
November's Full Moon is so named because this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze to ensure a supply of warm Winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for Winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.
During the late 1800s, beavers were almost hunted to extinction by the white trappers and traders, because the beaver pelt became a very fashionable wardrobe accessory, especially for men's top hats in Europe and in New England. Since that time they have greatly increased in number and in the amount of damage that they cause during the building of their dams and dens.
Are you aware that a single beaver may chew down hundreds of trees every year as he continuously builds and repairs his lodges and dams? The beavers do provide habitat for other animals such as ducks and otters, but they can also cause unexpected large-scale floods.
Over ten years ago in the Washington, D.C. tidal basin, where many of the famous ornamental cherry trees bloom drawing tourists from all over the world, a family of beavers moved into the "luxurious digs." The beavers were noticed as soon as they began downing cherry trees to build their lodges. The National Park Service Rangers quickly set live humane traps and moved the family of pesky beavers to another area where the trees were not as famous or rare.
Full Moon names date back to Native Americans in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.
As far as our weather goes, another sunny and mild day is ahead with daytime high temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s. Some showers are expected tomorrow, followed by clearing skies and windy conditions Friday. The weekend will be sunny and cool with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s and 40s.
Paul
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