Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2009
As December begins, so truly does a new year. Even though plenty of remnants hang on in the land around me – a few pear, beech and lilac leaves, some forsythia and Japanese honeysuckle – there is not enough to keep me looking for the past in this present, not enough to keep me from plotting the beginning of another cycle.

-Poor Will’s notebook
The astronomical outlook

The Sandhill Crane Migration Moon, full at 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 2, wanes throughout the week, entering its final quarter on Dec. 8 at 7:13 p.m.

In the first week of December, the day becomes shorter by seven minutes in most of the region, the last time this year that the day loses so much light. Sunset is the earliest of the year; it will remain unchanged until the end of December’s second week.

Venus once again moves east, entering Ophiuchus and remaining the morning star. Mars in Leo still lies overhead near sunrise, followed by Saturn in Virgo. Jupiter in Capricorn remains the evening star close to the western horizon.

The weather

The first week of December continues to push the normal temperatures down at the rate of three degrees per seven days. That brings typical highs into the lower 40s and lows into the mid to upper 20s for most of the region.

Sometimes afternoons do climb into the 60s this week of the year, but only 5 percent of the time. Dec. 1 is usually the brightest day of the week, with a 60 percent chance for sun; on the other days of this period, odds are better than 50/50 for clouds.

The last cold front of the autumn usually passes through the Midwest on Dec. 3.  Although this is a brisk front, it is typically relatively mild compared to the first of the early winter fronts due on Dec. 8.

Almanac daybook

Nov. 30: The sun’s declination reaches 21 degrees, 37 minutes today, just a little less than 90 percent of the way to winter equinox.

Hormone levels in sheep have adjusted to the season, so keep the lights on to create 16-hour days through the late fall and winter months if you intend to breed ewes in January or February.
Dec. 1: Tidal lunar influences have been shown to be greater at full moon and new moon times. You might expect more trouble with your flock, therefore, in the late morning or early afternoon on or about Dec. 2, 16 and 31.

Dec. 2: Bedding plant seeding for 2010 starts a few days before the new moon (Dec. 16). This is the time to prepare seeds and flats for May flowers. Continue seeding at new moon throughout the winter months.

The first cold front of the month usually moves across the nation between Dec. 2-4, creating a significant storm window. Full moon today is likely to strengthen the front this year. Expect snow and ice from North to South, problems with travel, your flock, parents and children from East to West.

Dec. 3: Except along the Gulf Coast, nearly every deciduous tree is bare. The Christmas tree harvest is in progress, and Christmas cacti often have reached full bloom. Bats hibernate where insects have been killed by frost. Crows flock to winter roosts.
Dec. 4: Severe weather with below-zero temperatures and highs only in the teens is still relatively rare below the northern tier of states, but the Dec. 8 front initiates the 16-week period during which most snow falls within the borders of the United States.
Dec. 5: The sun reaches a declination of 22 degrees, 22 minutes today, approximately 1 degree from its declination at winter solstice. The sun’s position stays within a degree of solstice until Jan. 8, producing a period of solar stability similar to the one between June 4-July 8.

Dec. 6: The moon exerts less influence on ocean tides and on human and animal behavior when it comes into its second and fourth quarters. Therefore, it might make more sense to perform routine maintenance on your flock and family during the late afternoon or evenings on or about Dec. 8 and 24.

Mind and body clock

The S.A.D. Index (which measures on a scale of 1-75 the forces which can contribute to seasonal affective disorders) climbs from 62 at the beginning of December to its highest so far this winter: A reading of 66 by Dec. 10.

If you are susceptible to seasonal stress (accompanied by depressions and irritability), keep your diet balanced, continue to exercise and drink plenty of nonalcoholic liquids. Since most heart attacks occur during early winter, be especially careful of strenuous activities.

Fish, game, livestock and diet

The waning moon will be overhead in the morning hours this week; fish and game should be most active at that time. The period prior to the arrival of the last cold front of autumn near Dec. 3 and the first front of early winter on Dec. 8 should be some of the most productive times of all.

If you are dieting, be ready with lean meat, celery, carrots and maybe a fat-free granola bar when you see the moon above you before sunrise.