Analemma photography copyright of Anthony Ayiomamatis
Friends of the DAO presents Virtual Star Parties Monthly from the Autumnal Equinox to the Winter Solstice.
Picture: The Solar Analemma, the location of the sun at the same time each day during a year, taken from Greece (but you knew that). The Solstices are the ends of the figure-of-8, with the Winter Solstice at the bottom. The lower lobe is larger because the earth’s orbit is elliptical and the earth is closer to the sun in winter, and therefore moves faster according to Kepler’s law (well, and Newtonian gravity). Clicking on this link will direct you to a website all about analemmas.
Following on the success of our First Winter Solstice Party at the Centre last year we want to offer another version for this 2020 season.
Celebrate the rituals of the old traditions around the shortest day and longest night of the year. . We can't offer warm apple cider or hot chocolate in person this year but perhaps you can cozy up to your nearest computer with a hot toddy or tea instead.
Our featured speaker, Dr James Di Francesco, will give us food for thought for the New Year in his presentation Astrobiology: The Search for Alien Life as we weave the past traditions and future explorations together.
We’re also working on a special treat for the evening. Please sign in and join us!
Also also - we’ve had enough positive feedback from the virtual star parties that we’ll continue them in the New Year. We’ve already started lining up speakers! Stay tuned…