Happy Winter Solstice

[Mark Sedenquist]

I always thought, (if I thought about it at all), that the Winter Solstice happened at mid-night on the 21st of December. But... it turns out that this year the Winter Solstice will occur on Wednesday, December 21st at 11:35 am MST. The winter solstice is defined as the point when the sun reaches its southern most latitude of the year and it reaches that spot on Wednesday morning.

Just thought you might find this interesting.... or not.

Mark

[Robert Schaller]

I wondered how much it changes every year, if there is a pattern to it (the amount and direction of change) and what influences it. As a former astronomy student, I should know this -- but I don't remember the topic being raised (other than the general dates of the solstices and equinoxes). Hmm, maybe I still have a text around here somewhere...

Ahh, the internet saves the day -- of course -- the differences are due to the externally imposed requirements of the calendar and human measurement of time.

[Mark Sedenquist]

the differences are due to the externally imposed requirements of the calendar and human measurment of time.

Yikes -- that is more info than I really wanted -- but thanks for the clarification!

Mark

[Robert Schaller]

Still, pretty interesting stuff!

[PNW Judy]

As one who hates the long, dark days of winter, the Winter Solstice is one of my favorite days of the year....the turnaround toward the world being light again.

[RoadDog]

I like the longer days as well, but these short days just make you appreciate the longer ones more.

I also used to hate the bare trees time, but since I've gotten into old and two lane roads, I have to come to appreciate the symmetry of bare trees and especially when Mother Nature does her painting. I refer to those great snowfalls when it sticks to the trees. That is just drop-dead gorgeous.

Plus, it is great to take a road trip over previously driven stretches as you get to see things covered up by the foliage.

Plus, the best sport is underway, and I refer to college basketball, all the way to the Final Four. Now this is sports at its best.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. -- RoadDog

[Mark Sedenquist]

Plus, it is great to take a road trip over previously driven stretches as you get to see things covered up by the foliage.

RoadDog, I like the imagery. This is one of the reasons I like living in the desert -- there is very little foilage to get in the way of the rocks and vistas.

Thanks for the lessons.

[RoadTripper Brad]

Happy Midwinter's Eve (Dec. 21)! Ironically, the solstice is one of my most sacred holidays.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Ironically, the solstice is one of my most sacred holidays.

Brad, why is it ironic?

Mark

[RoadDog]

Back to the solstice talk.

I found this article that might be of interest.

http://www.thesouthern.com/articles/...e/14667933.txt.

In case you ever wondered.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway.-- RoadDog