Video & Gardening Tips: Groundhog Day

This Groundhog Day morning, Western Pennsylvania's famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted 6 more weeks of Winter. However, with the moderate weather conditions thus far this Winter, many people are wondering whether Winter ever arrived in the first place! Even flowers are already starting to sprout!

While Groundhog Day is the traditional mid-way point in Winter, the actual mid-way point of Winter will come this-Saturday at 12:22 p.m. EST:

* Thur., 2012 Feb. 2 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Candlemas, better known as Groundhog Day. First traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; approximate mid-way point in Winter season.
Actual cross-quarter day.
(Groundhog Day at Gobler's Knob, Punxsutawney PA 15767, home of Punxsutawney Phil: - Sunrise: 7:26 a.m. EST) (Feb. 2).

* Sat., 2012 Feb. 4, 12:22 p.m. EST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Candlemas (First actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; mid-way point in Winter season.); traditional cross-quarter day.

The following links provide information, including a video, regarding Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, whether to take special steps to protect plants, and the astronomical aspects of the mid-point of Winter:

Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter

>>> http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/archive/s_779611.html

Video of Groundhog Prediction:

 >>> http://www.visitpa.com/groundhog-day-live-stream

 

Protecting Your Plants During Winter’s Wild Temperature Fluctuations

>>> http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/02/02/protecting-your-plants-during-winters-wild-temperature-fluctuations/

 

On Groundhog Day, the Sun Has Last Word on Winter

>>> http://www.space.com/14450-groundhog-day-candlemas-sun-seasons.html

 

More on Punxsutawney Phil:

>>> http://buhlplanetarium4.tripod.com/astrocalendar/groundhogday.html

gaw

Glenn A. Walsh, Project Director,
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