Grand conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn coming up soon
For those of us who like a bit of astronomy and enjoy watching our beautiful southern skies, we are in for a rare treat, as Jupiter and Saturn come so close to each other that they will almost look like a single shining planet in the sky.
This event, known as a grand conjunction, happens about once every 20 years, and in New Zealand it will be about 2am on 22 December.
There's also a penumbral lunar eclipse coming up this Monday 30 November, between 8:30pm and 1am. It would be entirely visible from NZ, but unfortunately the weather is forecast to be cloudy at that time, so there might not be much to see, and as it's only a penumbral one, it wouldn't be a "blood moon" anyway.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.