Happy Winter Solstice Everyone!

Seanie,

Isn't solstice technically tomorrow?

As I understand it, last night was the longest night of the year - wasn't it? :oops:

aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.html ..... 22 minutes past midnight (UT) ....

Guess I WAS wrong so!

Nothing to guess ... you were DEAD wrong!

Will I delete this thread and bombard you all with another Happy Winter Solstice tomorrow?

He who laughs last, laughs best ... I will just wait for my buddy Dave McDonald to spring the news to you on Saturday!

Just to stick my 2 cent worth.
<soapbox>
The solstice is a point on the ecliptic - the date/time at which the sun passes throught this point is generally around 21/22 Dec. - the calendar being artificial the date/time wobbles around quite a bit. In general the calendar is a poor marker of time - after all "New Years Day" is not for ten calendar days yet and the premier midwinter festive day celebrating birth is still 4 calendar days away. So its off a bit!!
Having said that the chamber thing at newgrange happens for 7 to 10 days each side of the solstice event and 'peaking' at the morning closest to it.
</soapbox>

Still happy new year, mid-winter, year-rollover or whatever.

JMP