Studying the declination positions of the planets along with the horoscope lunar phase charts and observing the solar mapping graphic information adds interesting details to the seasonal long range forecast. The lines on the graph present a picture of the planets as they perform a graceful dance through the heavens in relation to Earth and Earth's equator. When the lines that depict the planets cross each other on the graph there is a related weather event that is usually more impacting than the average weather for a designated location.

At the beginning of the Spring season, the Sun is always located at the Equator, zero degrees declination; note the line of the Sun, blue, at the zero marker on the graph. The Sun will travel to the northern hemisphere maximum north by the end of the season. The position of the Moon (dark blue line) on the graph is currently achieving 25 degrees maximum north and south declination, but now leaving its major standstill position, 29 degrees, where the maximum numbers achieved will continue to decrease for several years. Here is a website that further explains this natural phenomenon cycle: http://www.iol.ie/~geniet/eng/moonperb.htm.

SPRING PLANETS IN DECLINATION
The graph visual shows the Moon line as the fastest moving of all the lines, traveling from North position down to maximum south position three times during the season. As the Moon travels and connects with the planet lines, the weather is stimulated or triggered in certain locations. The graph degree positions are a standard for the globe where zero degrees is the equator and the planets are measured from the equator extended out into space. In the northern hemisphere, Saturn moves away from the equator for the Spring season but returns to actually cross the equator during Summer 2010. Saturn at the equator is a very difficult influence and intensifies the weather. Where there are storms, there is the possibility of them becoming superstorms. We can be glad that Saturn could spare us for Spring. Mars (red line) has achieved a high degree of North declination and for Spring will begin to travel in a southern direction crossing over the Moon and Venus in the last week of April. The combination affords plenty of energy to create strong turbulence resulting in stormy weather fronts. In early May, Mars and the Sun (blue line) interact to bring on the heat for some locations. A windy event for many locations will occur when Mars crosses with Mercury (purple line) at the first part of June. A significant weather event will be noticeable in many locations around the world when Jupiter (blue line) and Uranus (orange line) travel together for a few weeks in June. The idea of following the declination placements of the planets will help the astrometeorologist make stronger forecasts taking information from the declination measurements and also the solar mapping indications.

It has been written in various publications that when all or most of the planets are in southern declination for a northern declination winter as they were this year, the results are for a very cold season. It has been a very cold winter in the states, right down through normally warm Florida.

Observations, comments and forecasts are welcome. Write to: Carolyn Egan Long Range Weather Forecaster © February 2010

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