Starwatch for October 2024

Hello! I’m Karl Hricko of United Astronomy Clubs of NJ and the National Space Society, bringing you the October Starwatch for WNTI the Sound of Centenary.

The light and gravitational effects of the Full Moon on us has been a topic of interest throughout the ages.  For example, claims of strange human behaviors and alleged conversion of humans into animals when the Moon is Full. Well the idea of shapeshifting into animals is simply a folklore, while possible influence on our behavior and physiology is still inconclusive.  So far, the only proven effects on us is at Full Moon, our sleep time is shortened because of it effecting the secretion of the melatonin hormone. So at present, all other claimed effects are unsubstantiated.

However there is research that indicates Full Moon does influence animals in their reproduction, growth, foraging, communication, navigation, and migration. Insofar as plants are concerned, Full Moon effects germination, and then increases the flow of sap.

Regarding the nature of planets, they were named after mythological beings. In Roman mythology, they were thought to be gods in the sky. At dusk Venus characterized in Roman mythology as the goddess of love can be seen to the west in Virgo. At dawn, the messenger of the gods Mercury is seen to the east in Leo.  Looking southeast, the god of war Mars is found in Gemini. The king of the gods Jupiter is located also to the southeast in Taurus. Saturn the god in charge of time, can be viewed to the west in Aquarius. As far as the Moon is concerned it was said to be Luna the goddess of nocturnal mysteries. So try to see the visible planets, on the nights when you’re not bathing in the light of Luna.

Until our next Starwatch -Don’t forget to check out …  What’s up in the night sky!