Sarasota Almanac--January 2010

Many people think we don't have seasons in Florida. We do; they are just more subtle than they are in other parts of the country. We experience many changes throughout the year in temperature, humidity, rainfall, dew point, amount of light, weather patterns, tides, stars visible, bird and animal migrations, growing season, and activity of frogs and other animals.






In this new section, Sarasota Almanac, I will share some subtle seasonal changes. Please feel free to comment and add your own observations and together we will get more tuned in.






January:



New Moon: January 15



Full Moon: January 30



Meteor Showers: January 3-4 Quadrantids (very short and very few)







Other astronomical events:



January 15, Annular Solar Eclipse



January 23, Mars at opposition; closest approach to Earth, best time to see







Other observations in the world around us:







Light: After the winter solstice on December 21, the length of daylight gradually begins to increase and the energy feels a little more "outgoing".







Temperature: This time of year, we may have cold spells, even frosts.







Crops: Cool weather vegetables can be grown, like collards, chard, lettuces, Asian greens, etc.







Foliage: In mid to late January, the leaves of the red maple trees turn orange to red or even scarlet, before dropping. Almost immediately afterward, red flowers appear on the trees, followed by seeds and new leaves, which may come out reddish-bronze color and turn to green. It's like fall in January followed immediately by spring! Leaves of vines like wild grapes and Virginia Creeper may turn and fall as well.







Animals/Bird Activity: Hundreds of thousands of swallows may be seen in some areas.