December 21 brings several treats this year, there will be the Winter Solstice, a full moon, and if you are in the right spot there will be a lunar eclipse in the early morning hours.

At 6:38 a.m. winter begins when the Earth is at its closest to the Sun. This may seem odd but it’s true for the northern hemisphere. We feel cold because the Earth’s axis is tilted away from the sun on that date by about 26°. Since Michigan is near 45° north latitude we are half way between the Equator and the North Pole. The sun will be at its most southern arch from east to west.

The Winter Solstice has been celebrated in northern Europe for the last two millennia as a time for celebration and good cheer because the days will get longer after that. This often included a Yule log to keep the hearth going for twelve days, mistletoe, holly, decorating a tree, games, a feast, and lots to drink to keep warm. When Christianity got to those cold and gloomy winters, the Church picked up on the idea and let the pagans keep their holiday. Christmas was not normally observed until Pope Gregory declared December 25 a date on the church’s calendar.

December 21 is also the date for a full moon. This hasn’t happened since 1999 and won’t occur again until 2094.

That this date will also include a lunar eclipse is also quite rare. The Earth will pass between the sun and the full moon a little after 1:30 a.m. and will reach a complete blackout after 3 a.m. if the sky where you live is clear. If you witness it don’t wake me: I’ll take your word for it.