New moon:
In Aquarius, Wednesday, Feb. 6. A partial solar eclipse will occur about 10:44 p.m.
Full moon:
In Virgo, Wednesday, Feb. 20. A total lunar eclipse, during which the moon will take on a very colorful appearance, will take place about 10:30 p.m.
The stars:
The constellations Gemini and Canis Major can be seen in the night sky to the north. Canis Major features Sirius, the brightest start in the sky.
Thirty years ago in Harvard:
A four-bedroom home with a fireplaced family room and two-car garage, on a serene, 1½-acre wooded cul-de-sac in Groton, went on the market for $82,500.
Household tip:
To eliminate strong odors in the kitchen, such as spoiled food or fish, place a bowl of white vinegar on the counter for a few hours.
Going green:
Buy a set of canvas bags to use for groceries, and pass on the “paper or plastic” choice at the supermarket.
What to do in the garden:
Prepare for the year’s first crop: maple syrup. This is the month to tap maple trees and start collecting sap. The sap run usually starts about now, and continues through the end of the month, or into early March, depending on the weather. Set taps when daytime temperatures are above freezing and nighttime temperatures are below. Keep sap chilled until you have enough to boil; be sure to use it within a week of collecting it. Think about planning a neighborhood sap boil.
Thought for the month
“One kind word can warm three winter months.”
—Japanese proverb
Do you have an almanac tidbit you’d like to share? E-mail to editor@harvardpress.com.
