August a month to marvel at the moon

August is right around the corner, and skywatchers are in for a treat. The coming month always brings celestial delights, and this year is no exception.

August 1 sees the first of two full moons taking place during the month. Look toward the southeastern sky next Tuesday just after twilight hours to watch August’s first full moon make its majestic rise over the horizon.

This full moon event coincides with perigee, when the moon’s position in its elliptical orbit is at its closest to Earth. NASA says, “…a full Moon that comes within at least 90 percent of perigee” is described as a “supermoon” (https://moon.nasa.gov/moon-in-motion/phases-eclipses-supermoons/supermoons/).

Four supermoons take place this year, and they’re all back-to-back. The July 3 moon was a supermoon, as are the August 1 and August 31 full moons. The August 31 supermoon is also a blue moon, meaning the second full moon within a calendar month. The final supermoon of 2023 rises September 29.

NASA further explains that when the moon is in perigee, it appears “about 17 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the faintest Moon of the year…” which happens when the moon’s position in its elliptical orbit is at its farthest point from Earth (known as “apogee”). The moon is about 25,000 miles closer to Earth during perigee than it is during apogee.

We’re entering one of the best months of the year for meteor spotting; check back for information about the Perseid meteor shower, which is active now through early September and peaks in mid-August.

Friends of the library host quarterly book sales

The Friends of the Douglas County Public Library will host quarterly book sales in the Minden Library meeting room. The summer sale takes place Friday, August 18 from 3-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Friday sale is exclusively for Friends members but all are welcome to join at the door.

The local DCPL branch is located at 1625 Library Lane in Minden.  Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube; visit them online at library.douglascountynv.gov; or call 775-782-9841 for more information.

Consistent care is key

I’ve worked hard to up my potted plant game this year and have enjoyed the bursts of color throughout the yard.

Each container is hand watered; I’m grateful for the time spent outside and there’s a meditative quality to this task that I really appreciate.  But I was out of town last weekend, and I missed watering for two days. After returning home, I found most of the plants shriveled and drooping after the weekend’s intense heat.

I assumed all was lost but went ahead and watered the pots that evening anyway. To my amazement and delight, each and every plant had sprung back by the next morning, their flowers once again upright and facing toward the sun.

That got me thinking about the practice of tending to things and how offering a little care on a consistent basis can really set a foundation for success. This idea can extend to each of us, as well. It’s important to do something nourishing and kind for ourselves daily, in whatever way best supports our ability to thrive.

The heat is a good reminder, and we would do well to take a cue from the plants and make sure our efforts include drinking plenty of water each day.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.