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RE: Rampant hypocrisy in politics, why politics can suck it, and why astronomy is the tits
Not just Ancient People. As recently as the 90s, I encountered a group of "campesinos" (farmers) in a remote area of Colombia who refused to take me to a fishing hole at night because the full moon was out. They believed they would become "alunados", or mooned. And I don't mean someone pulling their pants down!
Also, next week will be excellent Astronomy time. The Perseids are back!!!
That's a great story. I wonder if these campesinos have retained their use of the moon in timing the planting and sowing of their crops?
Thanks for the Perseids reminder! If you hadn't told me, I bet online news outlets would have mentioned it. I don't have any tangible evidence, but it seems like astronomical interest has been growing in the last few years.
These "campesinos" were more livestock ranchers than planters of crops, but I am sure the little planting they do is tightly linked to phases of the moon and time of year and all that. This region in Colombia has no seasons to speak of, other than a dry and a rainy one. Nothing like what we'd call Winter, so they can really plant year round, with some care to avoid doing improper things during that rainy season I mentioned.
And the Perseids, yes, I try to keep abreast of things like that. I enjoy lying outside on my lawn, with a blanket, and staring up into infinity as I watch shooting stars go by. I'll say that, yes, interest in Astronomy is on the rise. People are starting to look up again...