Long night? Winter solstice Friday Dec. 21
If the North Pole were your head and the South Pole your feet, today your head would be too cold and your feet too warm. That's a metaphor for the axial tilt of the earth on this day, with all of us north of the equator experiencing our shortest winter day and everyone south the longest summer day.
On this day you will have your longest noon shadow of the year. Assuming any sun comes out at all today. After today daylight in our hemisphere increases faster the farther north you are.
For as long as all our ancestors before us, people have marked the longest night, and the days around it, in some way. Although carried out differently over time and across tribes and cultures, these rituals, gatherings, celebrations, festivals or holidays are common to people everywhere.
Lots of us leave for work in the dark and return home in the dark and that's how the solstice is noticed. Whatever you observe about the long dark of the day today, it's nice to think that this is the beginning of brighter and brighter days ahead. And just the way most things are, a little at a time.
If you are interested in reading more about the solstice, click here.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Bulldog softball upset by Delphos Jefferson
- Bulldog baseball edged by Jefferson
- Bulldog boys and girls 2nd at Bloomdale track tri-meet
- ONU classed as "lower access, higher earnings" institution
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers
- Ohio High School All-State Honors Band and the ONU Symphonic Band perform May 4
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- William Douglas Burris worked for Rockwell International
- Beatitudes style show proves thrift can be fashionable
- Bulldog softball rallies for win vs. Falcons
- Bulldog baseball loss vs. Falcons
- Bulldogs compete in Ada JH track invitational
- Bulldog tennis loss vs. Bluffton
- Letter: The benefits of vaccinating newborns and children
Monday, April 28, 2025
- Anabel R. McBride worked for Ada Exempted Village Schools
- Trash to Treasure STEAM program on May 3
- Student entrepreneurs compete in 2025 Polar Innovation Exchange
- Lifesaving AED installed at One More gym on E. Buckeye
- St. Mark Community Meal is April 30
- Alfes wins Medalist honors at OAC golf championships
- Wilma A. Willeke worked at Ohio Northern