The new moon of Jan. 21 is at perigee, its closest point to earth. This causes some extreme morning daylight high tides, peaking at 7.2 feet on Jan. 21 around 9:30 a.m. A special feature in the night sky will be the passage of comet Gibbs on Jan. 30 and the comet Macholz on Jan. 31, both named for the astronomers who first noted their presence in the sky.
Northern elephant seals finally returned in larger numbers to the Drakes Beach area during the recent storm activity. There are now pups and females, along with the big-nosed bulls. The restored wetland area, which is a small pool right now, has been an ideal spot to watch sparring males. The area has been closed to install additional seal protective measures so check ahead for accessibility. The Chimney Rock overlook provides additional seal viewing and remains open.
As winter surrounds us with cold and damp, bits of spring peek through: buds and sprays of pink flowering currants may be seen along the Levee Road and behind the community center. Paperwhite narcissus and brilliant yellow daffodils are poking up along White House Pool.