"ASTRO NEWS" for Friday November 30th edited by Patty Greenall Clone encounter of the KX76 kind Jonathan writes - Whenever a new planet is found a major scientific breakthrough occurs; one so mind-bogglingly different in its implications as to require a brand new cosmic symbol to represent it. Within a year of Uranus being found mankind took to the skies for the first time ever; a crucial step for in the development of photography transpired at the same time as Neptune was first identified; Pluto's timely link to the splitting of the atom is so widely acknowledged that a key element in the process was named Plutonium. We note with interest and amazement that, within just a few weeks of astronomers spotting the mystery new planet KX76, scientists have managed to clone a human embryo. In the light of the controversy surrounding this stunning 'coincidence'(?), KX76 may deserve a sinister, rather than a friendly, name. Feel free to keep sending your suggestions. Email [email protected] (with subject heading: name that planet). Meanwhile, back on earth, here are some of your recent ideas for a name for the planet. Prometheus (a titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to mortals), suggests Lee Briggs; Minerva (goddess of wisdom), Vicky Whitall; Eros (messenger of love) Natascha Gunnell; Adamas (latin for diamond, as KX76 is made of rock and ice), Sally Corrigan. Why tonight's full moon could cast a spell - Full Moon at 8.49pm GMT by Wanda Sellar Folklore and mystery have always surrounded the Full Moon. But what is the truth behind this monthly phenomon? After all, the Moon's opposition to the Sun is only an astronomical occurrence, isn't it? Yet there is no doubt that the Moon has a strong pull on the oceans making them ebb and flow creating high tide when the Moon is full. It's at this time that the lunar sphere's powers are at their peak. Certainly, emotions, which the Moon rules astrologically, are at their most intense. Witches made full use of this energy to cast spells or energise love potions. In times past, it was noted that people who were mentally ill grew more restless at the Full Moon - not surprising since the Moon also rules the right side of the brain, where all creativity and fantasy reside. Full Moon is a time for empowerment and creativity. Write that novel or take out the paintbrush. It's also a very fruitful time when babies are born, and conceived. So make love under the stars if you want to start a family. Or ask your lover for a favour, or your boss for a rise. They are less likely to refuse. Tend sick plants at this time, and they will grow more lush. It's a time for expansion after all. Dreams are more intense at the Full Moon so keep a notepad by the bed. You'll find answers to many of your problems. Since emotions are heightened at this time, put off making business decisions. Impartiality takes a holiday since feelings rule. Avoid family squabbles as emotions can get out of control. It's a time to bury the past. The Moon's affinity with water suggests the body is greatly influenced at this time as 90 per cent of the body is water. If you suffer with water retention, eat foods ruled by the Moon - lettuce, cucumber, pumpkin, cabbage - as they will help the body regulate liquids. Operations have traditionally been avoided at the Full Moon since it was thought that there was more likelihood of haemorrhage. To harness the energy of the Full Moon, wear 'Moon' jewellery principally opal which contains up to 10 per cent water. Or rock crystal, pearls or Moonstone. Silver is also a Moon metal. Healing crystals are greatly empowered by moonlight so leave them overnight in the full glare of the Moon. - and it's a blue moon too! Today's full moon is a 'blue moon'. Most seasons have three full moons and t raditionally, when there are four full moons in a season, the third is called a blue moon. It's also said that the second full moon in any calendar month is a blue moon, but this definition was adopted only by mistake after an incorrect article appeared in Sky and Telescope magazine in 1946. Blue Moons take place every couple of years or so. Occasionally there are two in a year. Technically speaking, blue moons aren't always seen by everyone on the planet because time differences can put the second full moon into the following month.