Each month, I receive a Star Trak newsletter from Indiana University. It is full of great information about the planets, meteor showers and other events that might be taking place. 

The moon steals the show during the month of May. Two full moons are scheduled this month. They occur on May 2nd and May 31st. The last time that happened was in July of 2004.

Traditionally, the second full moon in a month is referred to as a “blue moon.” Although the saying implies that it happens very infrequently, it’s not really that rare. It happens about once every three years.

A visibly blue moon can happen and to learn more you can visit this link the Star Trak newsletter provided: http://www.inconstantmoon.com/cyc_blue.htm

kevin

This was the view on Lake Shafer Saturday morning. Sunshine did take control shortly after this 8am photo!

Thanks to Connie for sharing!

Lake Shafer is near Monticello.

What a weekend!

I hit a home run in a backyard baseball game (my son was pitching) and had fried Morel mushrooms for the first time. My son was not at the helm of the frying pan.

Mushrooms weren’t the only thing sizzling. My forehead is a few shades darker despite multiple, but apparently inadequate, sun screen applications.

Now I’m asking for your help. I don’t need help with my batting. I’m told my swing is very similar to Babe Ruth’s.

I need your help locating Morel mushrooms. Don’t call me eagle eyes because I could not find a single mushroom on my own. Friends were able to find enough for a meal. Although nutritionally satisfied, I was left feeling empty after the meal. I didn’t bring to the table a single fungus to fry!

Give me your hunting tips. In meteorological terms, I know this Morel mission is often “clouded” in secrecy. So, don’t share hunting locations with me. Please list a few skills needed to become king of the forest so to speak!

kevin

The hottest day of this month will be the last.  BTW, April 2007 will go into the books a little drier and a little cooler than normal.  A front is stalled just to the north of Indiana today, and will drop down for a visit tomorrow.  Expect afternoon and evening storms. 

There is a slight risk for severe weather in the extreme eastern part of the state.  The biggest risk would be in the mid to late afternoon.  Our models are indicating the storms ending by late night, setting the stage for another quiet period from Wednesday through Friday.

We had another gorgeous day Sunday with a lot of sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70s.  We’ll warm up even more on Monday with temperatures in the mid 80s. 

Strong storms are possible on Tuesday as a surface wave rides along a stationary front. The Storm Prediction Center has Central Indiana in a Slight Risk for severe weather.  The timing of this system appears to be during the afternoon and evening hours. We’ll keep a close eye on the potential of strong storms!