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Solstices, Summer and Winter
 Websites presented in alphabetical order Astronomical Applications: Data Services 
 Provides "fundamental astronomical reference data, the position, brightness, and other observable characteristics of celestial bodies": Sun and Moon rise and set times, phases of the Moon, eclipses, planetary transits, positions of the Sun and Moon, the seasons (equinoxes, solstices, perihelion, aphelion), celestial navigation, and more. Enter data and produce your own table. Includes a navigational star chart. From the Astronomical Applications Department of the U.S. Naval Observatory. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/ Topics: Astronomy, Holidays and Observances Individually, Ready Reference & Quick Facts, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Jun 1, 2006 Christmas in Iceland
This site describes various ways that Christmas is celebrated in Iceland. Includes pages devoted to the transition from solstice to Christmas, decorations and preparations, St. Thorlákur's Mass, children, food, the Christmas Cat, the Yule Lads (13 mischievous trolls), Christmas Eve, and Threttándinn (the 13th day, also known as Twelfth Night). Includes some Icelandic Christmas vocabulary and related links. From the Embassy of Iceland in Washington, D.C. http://www.iceland.org/us/the-embassy/curiosities/nr/757 Topics: Christmas, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jun 11, 2005 Circle Sanctuary
This group "is a non-profit international Nature Spirituality resource center and legally recognized Shamanic Wiccan church" that is "dedicated to research, spiritual healing, counseling, and education." Site provides information on seasonal celebrations and pagan weddings, selected articles from its print publication, and links to related sites. http://www.circlesanctuary.org/ Topics: Faiths, Holidays and Observances Individually, Religion, Social Issues Last updated Jul 14, 2004 The Festival of "Yalda"
Brief information about the celebration of the winter solstice in Iran with the festival of Shab-e yalda, "which refers to the birthday or rebirth of the sun." This site presents a brief history, and description of the traditions of the Yalda festival, including bonfires, holiday foods, and prayers. Includes a list of similarities with the celebration of Christmas. From a website by two Iranian writers. http://www.artarena.force9.co.uk/yalda.htm Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually, Holidays by Region Last updated Dec 16, 2005 The Old Farmer's Almanac: Astronomy Center
A guide to the almanac's astronomy and astrology information for the year, including dates and locations of solar and lunar eclipses, best fishing days, solstices and equinoxes, tide predictions, astrological signs, and monthly highlights, as well as the days of the full moon. http://www.almanac.com/astronomy/ Topics: Astronomy, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated May 4, 2005 Seasons
Clear, detailed technical discussions of seasons, solstices, and equinoxes. Includes the exact dates when spring, summer, fall, and winter arrive. Debunks misconceptions about seasons and the superstition "that it is possible to stand an egg upright on its end [only] on the date of the equinoxes (and/or solstices)." Maintained by scientist Eric Weisstein. http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/astronomy/topics/Seasons.html Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Mar 22, 2006 Sky Information
This page from Los Angeles' Griffith's Observatory includes the Sky Report , eclipses, phases of the moon, moonrise and moonset, sunrise and sunset, the sun's daily path (from Los Angeles), tide tables, astronomical zodiac, equinoxes and solstices, and planet positions through 2010. http://www.griffithobs.org/Skyinfo.html Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Holidays and Observances Individually, Water, Weather Last updated Dec 6, 2001 Solstice, Sacaea-Saturnalia, Yule, and Today
This site examines "the ancient origins of the winter holiday season" and how pagan and Christian celebrations have merged into Christmas traditions. The site includes factual tidbits about ancient and current winter solstice celebrations; Egyptian, Persian, and Roman celebrations; and northern European Yule traditions. Also includes a description of holiday celebrations for the day, a bibliography, and related links. http://www.candlegrove.com/ Topics: Christmas, Faiths, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Dec 6, 2006 Winter and Summer Solstice
Images of reflected solar radiation and brief essay comparing winter and summer solstices, the shortest and longest days of the year. Includes links to enlarged images and related content. From the NASA Atmospheric Science Data Center. http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/PRODOCS/ceres/featured_imagery/solstice_sum_win.html Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jun 13, 2007 Winter Solstice
"In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice is day of the year (near December 22) when the Sun is farthest south. ... The winter solstice marks the first day of the season of winter." This site provides an explanation of when the solstice occurs, including an animated clip showing the tilt of the Earth's equatorial plane relative to the Sun. The author is a scientist with advanced degrees in physics and planetary science. http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/astronomy/WinterSolstice.html Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jan 5, 2004 |
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