Spring is a season of growth, awakening dormant plants and animals. It depends on the angle of Earth's tilt and equinoxes to define it. It is the period between spring equinox and summer solstice. During spring, the hemisphere tilted closer to the sun receives more warmth, resulting in warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. Many animals come out of hibernation, and new life emerges. Spring is celebrated in many cultures, such as Hanami, Passover, Easter, Dita e Verës, and Mayday. https://www.livescience.com/24728-spring.html

The weather forecast for the coming week:

Sun: Sunny, high 78°F, winds WSW 5-10 mph. Night: Mostly clear, low 49°F, winds S 5-10 mph.

Mon: Sunny, high 79°F, winds NW 5-10 mph. Night: Clear, low 53°F, winds WNW 5-10 mph.

Tue: Sunny, high 84°F, winds NW 5-10 mph. Night: Mostly clear, low 52°F, winds S 5-10 mph.

Wed: Sunny, high 84°F, winds SSW 10-15 mph. Night: Mostly clear, low 52°F, winds S 10-15 mph.

Thu: Sunny, high 77°F, winds SW 10-15 mph. Night: Mainly clear, low 51°F, winds SSW 10-15 mph.

Fri: Mostly sunny, high 72°F, winds SW 5-10 mph. Night: Clear with some clouds, low 49°F, winds SSW 5-10 mph.

Sat: Partly cloudy, high 72°F, winds SW 5-10 mph. Night: Partly cloudy, low 51°F, winds S 5-10 mph.

https://www.kcra.com/weather

During the week of April 28th to May 4th, there are various celestial events worth observing in the night sky. Hydra, carrying Crater and Corvus, is in the southern sky—the Pointers point to Polaris on April 29th. The last-quarter Moon is visible on April 30th, and Sirius is visible at the end of twilight throughout May. The Summer Triangle is becoming visible in the east. Jupiter sets on May 3rd, and the Eta Aquariid meteor shower may be visible in the southern U.S. on May 5th and 6th. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-april-26-may-5/

Upcoming weather forecast:

- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 81°F, light northwest winds. Night: partly cloudy.

- Monday: Partly cloudy, high 83°F. Night: mostly clear.

- Tuesday: Mix of sun and clouds, strong southwest winds, high 72°F.

- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 69°F. Night: possible showers.

- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 67°F.

- Friday: Mostly cloudy morning, partly cloudy later, high 66°F.

- Saturday: Partly cloudy, high near 70°F.

https://www.kcra.com/weather

The Age of Taurus lasted for approximately 2200 years, from 4400 to 2200 BC. This period saw the emergence of notable architectural projects, such as the Pyramids of Egypt and the walled cities of the Indus Valley. The Old Kingdom of Egypt, from 2700 to 2200 BC, built some of the grandest architectural wonders of the ancient world, including the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx. The worship of Apis, the bull-deity, was an essential part of religious practices during the Age of Taurus in Egypt. The emerging influence of Aries at the turn of the second millennium BC marked the end of the Taurian Age. It led to significant transitions in the civilizations of the time. https://aquariansigns.com/welcome/the-age-of-taurus/

This week, you can look forward to some great stargazing opportunities. On Sunday, see Pollux, Castor, Procyon, and Capella. On Monday, the Moon passes close to Spica. Tuesday is the Full Moon, and Wednesday brings the Winter Triangle. On Thursday, look for the Sickle of Leo, and on Friday, see the Little Dipper. On Saturday, catch Vega in the northeast. Enjoy! https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-april-19-28/

Draco, the Dragon constellation, winds around Polaris, the current pole star in the northern sky. Thuban, a star in Draco, was the pole star when the pyramids were built. Due to the precession cycle, Thuban will become the pole star again in 20346 CE. Polaris was first called the Pole Star in 1547 and officially named in July 2016. A dark sky is necessary to see the entire shape of the Dragon, and the Big Dipper can help locate Thuban and Draco. https://earthsky.org/tonight/see-draco-the-dragon-and-a-former-pole-star/

Week's weather:

- Sunday: AM showers, PM clouds. High 62F. Chance of rain 50%.

- Monday: Partly cloudy, high 69F.

- Tuesday: Intervals of sun and clouds, high 71F.

- Wednesday: Sunny, high 71F.

- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 71F.

- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 72F.

- Saturday: Intervals of sun and clouds, high 75F.

Nighttime temperatures range from 44F to 49F.

https://www.kcra.com/weather

This week, you can observe the waxing gibbous Moon near the stars Pollux and Castor in Gemini. Look for Vega rising in the northeast in the evenings. The Sickle of Leo surrounds the bright star. Look for the bright stars Arcturus and Capella in the east and northwest, respectively. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-april-12-21/

Cloud coverage may affect the total solar eclipse on April 8th. The best viewing conditions are expected in southern Illinois, Kentucky, the East Coast, New York State, New England, West Texas, and southern Arizona. Areas from Missouri to central and east Texas may have less favorable viewing conditions due to cloudy skies and showers/thunderstorms. The weather pattern may affect travel to viewing locations. A storm system may impact travel in the Plains with severe weather, downpours, and tornado threats. https://www.accuweather.com/en/solar-eclipse-2024/total-solar-eclipse-cloud-forecast-where-will-clouds-spoil-the-show/1636042

The April 8th total solar eclipse will be an incredible event. During the minutes of totality, Venus and Jupiter will be visible, along with other...