Columns

The name of the comet comes from China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory, which means “purple mountain.” It was discovered in January 2023. A month later South Africa’s ATLAS telescope observed it. Hence, two names for the comet given the close timing of discovery.

I’m more of a rom-com Halloween girl, versus a horror movie Halloween girl. I love fall, and all things pumpkin patch-y and handing out candy and seeing the kiddos all dressed up in their cute costumes. But, I wouldn’t mind never seeing a zombie or cackling spooky skull and if those creepy clowns with balloons could go away forever, that would be great.

Most of this month the Sun will be in the earth sign Taurus, perhaps the most methodical and conservative of the signs. However, there will also be significant energy moving through fire signs, which suggests this could be a time of creative action. Mercury,...

Sadly, last weekend’s eclipse was not visible while hiking, due to cloud cover, but there was a noticeable darkening of sky and forest. While walking this trail a lovely waterfall appeared, brightening the darkening day with a glinting trickle. Walking in a natural setting can...

Happy New Year. I love the New Year. I love it because I like new beginnings. There is, for me, great hope and optimism when I start anything new, so the New Year excites me greatly.

Swung the roof down

It’s mindblowing that Sonoma County is buried under a marine layer for weeks while the coast from Bodega Bay to Big Sur is sunny. Big Sur is having a spectacular streak of sunshine: no rain, no fog, no wind. Yeah, I know. Big Sur...