The Moon, just shy of full phase, rises dramatically into the late-afternoon eastern sky Thursday, February 17, at around 5:20 p.m. &mdash some 20 minutes before the time of sunset. The following morning, the moon is closer to true full …

The Valentine’s Day Moon this year is in waxing gibbous phase, its three-quarter-full shape dominating the southeastern sky at dusk. Consider a walk after dark with your lover in any safe and reasonably dark place. Moonlight is magic in such …

The Planet Jupiter remains prominent in the southwestern sky after dark in January through February; however, it will be ever lower in the sky into late February and March. In early April, Jupiter will be in conjunction with the sun, …

Already swollen with runoff and snowmelt from recent storms, San Diego County's waterfalls should be at their very best during the next month or two. Three of the most accessible are: Green Valley Falls at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park; the …

Acacias, estooned with myriads of fluffy yellow blossoms, are brightening streetsides, freeway embankments, and backyard gardens throughout the San Diego area this month. Although many acacias are native to subtropical regions, nearly all we see today in San Diego were …

Highest Monthly Rainfall totals in San Diego are most likely to occur in January and February (about 1.9 inches each on average) according to weather-service statistics. If low temperatures accompany the typical Pacific storms of this period, there's a chance …

The Fabled "Green Flash" at sunset or sunrise can sometimes be seen on crystal-clear days in January. At the instant the sun's upper rim is last visible at sunset, and also at the instant when it is first seen at …

Jupiter Joins Venus in the western sky at dusk on Sunday, January 9. The two lie about 10 degrees apart from one another — a noticeable yet not spectacular pairing. The Latest Sunrise of the year (on standard, not daylight …

Green and Gold are the colors of the coastal region's natural landscape in early 2011. A greater-than-average amount of rain late last year triggered the early growth of annual grasses and weeds, with greens replacing yellows and browns. At the …

Recent Chilly Days and Nights only confirm that San Diego's lowest temperatures (according to more than a century of weather records) tend to occur during the month of January. January's mean temperature at Lindbergh Field is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. …

Extreme High and Low Tides will occur again in early January. On New Year's day, a peak high tide of +6.2 feet occurs at 6:21 a.m. Sunday, January 2, a high tide of +6.3 feet peaks at 7:04 a.m. Monday's …

Gray whale migration off San Diego County's coast peaks from now until February. The best view spots from land are high points close to the surf. Aside from the whale watching overlook at Cabrillo National Monument, try Sunset Cliffs, the …

Cross-Country Skiers are in for a short-lived treat late this month through February. As the clouds are clearing, you may be able to take advantage of good skiing conditions along Highway 79 through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and along Sunrise …

Shorebird-Watching enters its most agreeable season this month and next, with migrant and resident birds sharing common winter grounds. Egrets, herons, terns, and a variety of other species provide endless entertainment as they go about the business of fishing and …

The Total Lunar Eclipse of December 20-21 is the first such event visible from North America in nearly the past three years. As during all eclipses of the moon, the moon will be at full phase. This eclipse event involves …

Extreme High and Low Tides are set to occur on a string of days next week, during a period that coincides with both the moon reaching full phase and Earth reaching the winter-solstice position in its orbit. These two factors …

Jupiter, the "king" of the planets, appears high in the southern sky after sunset. Note its creamy yellow-white color and unblinking brightness. Aim a small telescope at Jupiter anytime during the next few weeks to see the cloud-belt-banded planet flanked …

Spectacular Sunsets and Sunrises are characteristic of late fall and early winter's dry spells. You can drive up to Soledad Park atop Mount Soledad in La Jolla or Mount Helix near La Mesa for an all encompassing view. Or try …

Earliest Sunset. (4:43 p.m. from San Diego) occurs Monday, December 6, a date that is not coincident with the shortest day (winter solstice — December 21) because of factors relating to the noncircular shape of Earth's orbit around the sun …

Liquidambar Trees, or sweet gums, the colorfully deciduous trees gracing front yards, parks, and campuses throughout the San Diego area, have been putting on a good show for the past month. The maplelike leaves of some varieties have turned from …