Guided Hike: Winter Solstice
The December Solstice marks the beginning of astronomical winter in the northern hemisphere and for many cultures, it is a time of renewal and reflection on the year that was and the year that is to come. Literally meaning “Sun stands still,” this date is usually the shortest day of the year, often only presenting nine hours of daylight at our latitude. For centuries, nations across the globe have recognized this as a time to embrace new beginnings, the ever-lengthening hours of daylight and the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Officially the solstice occurs at 9:02 am on the 21st, which is the point when the Sun passes directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer. The noon sun on this day, in the southern sky, is the lowest of the year, thus casting our longest shadows of the year.
We will meet inside our Great Hall, then visit our Pavilion Courtyard for an astronomical discussion, followed by a walk down to the shore of Lake Michigan. We’ll conclude the morning around a campfire to burn a traditional oak or Yule log. Your guide for this program will be Director of Education Tom Finley who has been interested in astronomy for many decades and enjoys sharing in the quiet beauty of the lake with everyone.
Members: $17 | Non-members: $23
