A thin crescent moon and the bright planet Jupiter appear close together on Thursday night.

Repairs are under way this fall at the East Chop Lighthouse, the historic cast-iron tower that sits on Telegraph Hill, its beacon flashing green-green-green to guide mariners on their way around the chop.

Early Wednesday afternoon, Ralph and Cynthia DeFelice saw and photographed a coyote swimming between two of the Elizabeth islands.

This is the time of the year that a wide variety of birds are winging their way south, passing through the Vineyard on their way.

I often think that fall is the best of the four seasons.

Edgartown selectmen set dates for the upcoming bay scallop season at their meeting Monday. Family scalloping begins Oct. 1 in all areas; the commercial season begins Nov. 4.