February 2nd is "Groundhog Day". Legend has it that if "Phil" or any of his cousins pops out and sees his shadow we're in for six more weeks of winter weather. This legend is rooted in the fact that February 2nd is a "cross quarter" day, the midpoint of the winter season. The seasonal equinox, solstice and cross quarter dates mark the comings and goings of the seasons.
Important dates for 2012 are: Vernal equinox, March 20 (first day of Spring), Summer solstice, June 20 and Autumnal equinox on September 22nd. Cross quarter days for Spring, Summer and Fall, 2012 are, respectively, May 5th, August 6th and November 7th. Astronomically, its all about the relative position of the Sun in our sky and the changing of the seasons.
Here is a nicely done chart for 2012 from Archeoastronomy.com and a link to Groundhogday.org
There's more "hoopla" surrounding February 2nd, winter's cross quarter day, I suppose, because we're spending most of the time indoors waiting for Spring. I understand Kevin Harned and John Belski are visiting Punxsutawney, PA to see how things go for "Phil". Have fun, guys!
Comments