How can we tell whether or not a groundhog actually saw its own shadow?

Factual Questions
1

So it looks like Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck both agree that Spring is on its way. I sure hope they’re right, although I’m not breaking out my bathing suit just yet. But ever since Iwas a kid, I’ve always wondered how the heck we know whether a groundhog has seen its own shadow. Over the years, I’ve even formed this theory:

Basically, a sunny day implies that a shadow is easily seen. Thus, a groundhog must see its own shadow on a sunny day. Sunny days in February usually mean high pressure, which means colder weather, which means a longer winter.

A cloudy day implies that no shadow can be seen since there is no sun. Clouds suggest low pressure, which means warmer weather and an early spring.

BTW, I already understand that all of this Groundhog Day stuff is bogus. And the weather forecast for New York (low single digit wind chill temps on Sunday) tells us that we have a good dose of winter left, at the least.

But is there an established method of determining whether a groundhog has seen its shadow?

2

I’m not entirely sure, but I think they use an elaborate setup of lasers.

3

No! No! No laser, too dangerous and Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck could not see theie shadow ever again.

It’s a complex set up of photosensitive micro photo cells implanted in the brains of Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck.

A really hi tech solution to determine the continuance of cold weather or the coming of an early spring on those hazy days when only Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck know what to predict.

4

  • I’ve heard that if a groundhog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, he’ll duck back inside, while if he doesn’t see one he’ll roam around a bit further. Not sure if that’s used in the official determinations

  • Wiarton willie gets no respect. (sigh.)

  • DEATH TO OPAL! :smiley:

5

I would like to point out that here in Michigan, we use a more refined method of groundhog prognostication. We put food in front of the thing, and if she hangs around to nibble, it means spring is nigh. Is she waddles back to her bed disinterested, it means plenty more cold weather ahead. FWIW, she agreed with Phil this year.

6

I think they just ask the groundhog.

7

OK, enough with the smart-alecky answers. Even the New York Times states as a fact that Phil and Chuck didn’t see their shadows. And they (almost) always check the facts before they print something. Thus, there has to be some method for establishing this as fact.

8

The way I would do it is to check if my own shadow appeared.
I’m pretty sure that’s how they do it in Puxatawny.

9

I’m sure the technique is extremely rigorous and scientific:

  1. Determine whether person sees shadow.
  2. Assume that the groundhog does likewise based on isomorphic visual and perceptual skills.

Let’s not make this more complicated than it is!

10

Only after the US Postal Service, a branch (sort of ) of the US Government, delivered all the Dear Santa letters to the groundhogs first. :stuck_out_tongue:

11

The same way that the priests of Delphi could tell what the Oracle was saying.

12

Yep, the Mayor of Punxsutawney says he speaks fluent Groundhog-ese (it’s a requirement for the position, apparently), so it’s a simple matter of just asking Phil what he saw.