PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Punxsutawney Phil popped from his Pennsylvania burrow Sunday, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter in an annual event that was largely overshadowed by the Columbia tragedy.
It was the 93rd time since 1887 that the furry groundhog had seen his shadow that extended the winter woes. Usually the prediction comes around 7:30 a.m., and Sunday's was no exception. He appeared at 7:27 a.m. But once, according to the official history, he waited until 12:27 p.m. That was in 1931, and in 1941 he saw a partial shadow in the morning and waited until 4:25 p.m. to make his declaration.
Usually the event is major lighthearted fare on radio and television but Sunday a search of several Web sites found mention of it subdued, or not at all, as the major focus was on the explosion of the space shuttle Columbia and the loss of its crew.
Nonetheless a crowd estimated at about 40,000 flocked to Gobblers Knob where Phil makes his home. Flags at the site were at half staff in honor of the seven astronauts who lost their lives.
Phil in a ditty presented by Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Bill Cooper, said: "I see my shadow beside me, and that is the magic you see. It causes midwinter revelry, six more weeks of winter there will be."
Phil has been to the White House, appeared on Oprah, and gained national attention through Bill Murray's 1993 movie "Groundhog Day."
