hello andy,
>There is some intriguing evidence that the Quechuas (Incas) were
>effectively able to *predict* El Ni~o events, based on their
>observations of the constellation Pleiades. It seems that atmospheric
>conditions changed slightly as El Ni~o began to establish itself, with
>the result that very thin, very high clouds made Pleiades appear more
>hazy than normal. The phenomenon is very subtle, and cannot be
>observed at lower elevations.
>
>Having forecast the El Ni~o, Quechua farmers adjusted their planting
>schedules accordingly.
found quite late, but your comment was still remembered:
Now the Ancient Ways Are Less Mysterious. Each June for at least
the last 400 years, farmers in 12 mountain villages in Peru and
Bolivia follow a ritual that Westerners might think odd, if not
crazy. Late each night for about a week, the farmers observe the
stars in the Pleiades constellation, low on the horizon to the
northeast. If they look big & bright, farmers know to plant their
potato crop at the usual time 4 months later. But if the stars are
dim, the usual planting will be delayed for several weeks.
http://www.nytimes.com/library/review/013000traditions-science-
review.html
klaus
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