Park Wavelengths - Wednesday, March 2, 2016
The bright star [sic] appearing close to the moon these clear spring evenings is the planet Jupiter. It will be closest to Earth coming up March 8. [Earth will pass between the Sun and Jupiter on March 8, bringing Earth as close to Jupiter as it will get in 2016. However, on March 8, the Moon will be new, e.g., in close proximity to the Sun as viewed from Earth—so close that a solar eclipse will be visible from locations in the northern Pacific Ocean, but not from anywhere in California. Therefore, on March 8, the Moon and Jupiter will be in opposition, e.g., the Moon will appear opposite Jupiter in Earth's sky. Jupiter will be in very close proximity to the Moon on March 21, which is the day after the vernal equinox, the first day of spring. - Ed.]
Rain and sun is prompting plenty of spring blooms, whether daffodils at the old bulb farm near the Hostel or the first violet Douglas iris beds. Bay trees are also flowering, and buckeyes are sprouting new leaves.
Annual [harbor] seal protection measures began on Tuesday, March 1. Drakes Estero and South Blue Gum Beach are now closed to boaters. [See press release for more specific details. - Ed.] The protection measures last through June 30. During this time, harbor seals return to the shores of Point Reyes to deliver their pups. Do not approach marine mammals; their time ashore is for rest and nursing their young.
New artwork at the Bear Valley Visitor Center are etchings of birds and plants from Stephanie Martin.