In the world of nature, sometimes objects in space get overlooked. Due to the fact that the moon, sun, stars, and other planets exist beyond human existence, they are considered nature too.
This week's newsletter is featuring the moon because a full moon will be on display later this week. It will begin rising in the east shortly after sundown on Thursday, October 1st. Clear skies are in the forecast so hopefully you will be able to find a spot with a fantastic view of it. You can choose a local park, hill overlooking the city, or even your own backyard!
HARVEST MOON
Thursday October 1, 2020
Each full moon during the year has been given a name that originally came from the Native Americans of North America. The Harvest Moon is known as the full moon that occurs closest to our autumn equinox. It was given the name Harvest Moon because the extra light after the sunset allowed more time to gather crops. Each year it usually rises in September, but this year is rises October 1st.
There are many things that make this full moon the most celebrated, but it is the timing that makes it especially fun. The moon usually rises about an hour after sunset during the rest of the year. The Harvest Moon though, rises just 20 minutes in the east after the sun sets in the west.
The Conejo Recreation & Park District offers several guided hike opportunities, including a Full Moon Hike. Visit the CRPD website for more information about these family-friendly hikes and enter the keyword "hike": https://secure.crpd.org/register/listings.cfm
MOON PHASES
If you have looked into the night sky, you may have noticed the moon appears to change shape each night. Some nights, the moon might look like a narrow crescent. Other nights, the moon might look like a bright circle. And on other nights, you might not be able to see the moon at all.
The different shapes of the moon that we see at different times of the month are called the MOON'S PHASES.
Click the image above for a link to a very tasty moon phase activity sheet. You can find this activity and other fun science experiments at https://sciencebob.com
NATIONAL PARK Jr. Ranger Program
The National Park Service has developed a Junior Ranger Night Explorer program, encouraging young park visitors to explore the starry side of their national parks.
Children can learn how to find the North Star, write their own creative mythology about the constellations, track the phases of the moon, learn about stars and galaxies, and use all their senses to explore the night environment at a national park.
If you would like to find out more about our local night sky or star parties around the area, you can visit the Ventura County Astronomical Society's website here: https://www.vcas.org
MOON'S GRAVITY & EARTH'S TIDE POOLS
Did you know that the moon's gravity is what causes the tides at the beach? There are certain times of the day when the tide pools are visitable at the beach. Low tide is the best time to visit and see all of the creatures that typically live underwater. During high tide, that same area is covered in water.
These times are directly related to where the moon is located around the earth at that moment. Before you head to the beach, it is always best to check a tide chart. You can find one here: https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/california/ventura-ca/tides/
These recommended books can be found in our local libraries. Our local libraries are currently closed but do offer curbside pickup. Visit tolibrary.org for more information.
ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR? If you would like this information in a format you can distribute to your class, let's chat! Email Christina at naturekidsactivities@gmail.com
THIS IS A CLUB SO LET'S SHARE OUR ADVENTURES! This week, share your oak tree pictures using the hashtag: #CONEJOVALLEYNATURECLUB
