Cooperative Living April 2024 - 29

KIDS KORNER
OBSERVING OUR DAY STAR
It has been said that the sun is new every day. This feels
especially true at sunrise, when the sun appears to be reborn
again. As it brings fresh light, fresh warmth and fresh
energy to Earth, it renews a sense of safety and reassurance.
But there have been times when the sun has stirred
thoughts of fear and terror, especially when it suddenly
went dark. From believing in sun-eating monsters to
screaming in terror, people of the ancient past often reacted
strangely to the sun's brief disappearance.
However, now, thanks to scientific knowledge, this
day-turning-to-night happening is recognized as a
solar eclipse. And, as luck would have it, one is occurring
on April 8, 2024!
On that day the moon will move in front of the sun,
blocking its light for a few minutes while creating a shadow
on Earth at specific locations. Those people in the darkest
part of the moon's shadow will witness a total solar eclipse
and its excitingly weird effects:
* an eerie daytime darkness
* nocturnal animals waking up
abruptly
* flocks of birds swiftly taking
cover in trees
* sudden drop in air temperature
* mysterious-looking, snake-like grey
ripples called shadow bands flitting over
the ground
* a creepy, unnatural silence
A total solar eclipse is totally awesome ... unnerving and
exhilarating, yes, but certainly not terrifying now,
in the 21st century!
If you are fortunate enough to go where the moon's
dark shadow falls on April 8, you will remember the
magnificent moment forever.
For those who miss the 2024 total solar eclipse, there
is another chance to observe one on Aug. 23, 2044.
Just think ... you'll be 20 years older and able to drive
yourself there to see it!
The sun will not shine forever. But while it is still
beaming, it brings health, happiness and hope.
And that's enough for now. Appreciate it and enjoy it,
just like the feel-good song by the Beatles says ...
" Here comes the sun, and I say, it's alright. " 
April 22 Earth Day and Zinnia Seeds!
On this special day, honor the planet that owes its life to the
sun by ordering some heirloom zinnia seeds for a garden plot
or containers ... the pollinators will be most appreciative!
To order heirloom zinnia seeds:
Send $2 and a self-addressed envelope with two stamps.
A 4x9 or 6x9 envelope works best. Mail to:
Anne M. Dellinger, 3328 Red Banks Road, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842.
CALLING ALL
SUPER SLEUTHS
Hay Seed and City Slicker have been discovering
more amazing facts about the sun. When they
view the total eclipse on April 8, they will be able
to see the glowing outermost part of the sun's
atmosphere called the corona. This is where the sun's weather,
called a solar wind, takes place.
When this powerful wind escapes the sun's gravity, it spreads
throughout the solar system. The wind cannot be felt on Earth,
but when its charged particles collide with nitrogen and oxygen
atoms in the Earth's atmosphere, beautiful flashes of greenish
light appear to dance across the northern night sky.
To learn more about these light flashes, do the following:
* Find a drawing of the flashes hidden in this magazine and
give the page number.
* Do some research and give the name of these flashes.
* Have you or someone in your family ever seen these flashes?
For a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, enter online
at co-opliving.com/super-sleuth or send answers with name,
address and phone number to:
Cooperative Living Super Sleuths
P.O. Box 2340
Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340
Kids Korner submissions are for children under the age of 16.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY ISSUE
SUPER SLEUTH
The January-February Super Sleuths was about
winter-watching season. For a chance to win a $25 Amazon
email gift card, kids were asked to give the answer to a riddle.
They were also asked to find a picture of the answer in the
magazine and give the page number. Lastly,
they were asked to explain how long it took
to figure out the riddle and state if someone
helped them solve it.
The correct answers are:
* A candle
* Page 28
* " It took me five minutes.
I solved it by myself. "
OUR WINNER IS ALANA.
Congratulations, Alana!
co-opliving.com
April 2024 ●
Cooperative Living ●
27
http://www.co-opliving.com/super-sleuth http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living April 2024
