During the course of 2006, a number of celestial phenomena such as equinoxes, solstices, eclipses, meteor showers and planets will be visible, most with the naked eye. Depending on where you live, you can mark your calendar and plan on taking advantage of some of these visible celestial phenomena, local weather conditions permitting. In this article, part 1 of a three-part series, upcoming equinoxes and solstices in 2006 will be discussed. Equinox Twice each year the position of the sun as it crosses the Earths equator making day and night of equal length in all parts of the earth. These two dates are known as Vernal and Autumnal Equinox. Ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus is credited with calculation of the data used t predict the position of celestial elements that determine the equinoxes, derived from the Latin words for equal night. Many festivals and celebrations worldwide are based on the occurrences of the equinoxes. Vernal Equinox or spring equinox will occur on March 20, 2006 and marks the beginning of the spring season in the northern hemisphere. The Memorial Celebration of Jesus Christs Passover meal with his 12 apostles occurs after sundown on the evening of the first full moon after the Vernal equinox each year (Nissan 14). Autumn Equinox will occur on September 22, 2006 and marks the beginning of the fall season in the northern hemisphere. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs just before the autumn equinox. Harvest Moon phenomena occur in the spring south of the equator. Harvest moon phenomena include several evenings of moon risings close to the time of sunset with brilliant moonlight that can last nearly all night during cloudless conditions. The full moon after the Harvest moon is called the Hunters Moon. In 1964, American astronomer Gerald S. Hawkins reported that the prehistoric ritual monolithic monument Stonehenge, located in England, could have been used to predict the Vernal and Autumnal equinoxes, summer and winter solstices, and eclipses of both the sun and moon during the period of around 1500 B.C. when the Stonehenge complex was believed to be in use. Halfway between the equinoxes are the summer and winter solstices. Solstice Solstice is the time of the year when the noon sun appears farthest north or south in the sky. It marks the beginning of the summer or winter season in the northern hemisphere. The tropic of Cancer lies 2327 north of the equator and is the northern solstice, that is, the northernmost point where the sun appears directly overhead at least one day a year. The Arctic Circle, at latitude 6630 N, marks the southern limit of the area in which the sun does not rise on the winter solstice or set on the summer solstice. Periods of continuous day or night increase from one day at the Arctic Circle to six months at the North Pole. The Antarctic Circle, at latitude 6630 S, marks the northern limit of the area in which the sun does not rise on the summer solstice or set on the winter solstice. Periods of continuous night or day increase from one day at the Antarctic Circle to six months at the South Pole. Midsummer Eve also known as St. Johns Eve, is celebrated throughout Europe at the time of the summer solstice. These celebrations are believed to date back to Teutonic pagan festivals and fertility rites associated with agriculture at the time of the summer solstice. This year Summer Solstice will occur on June 21, 2006 and Winter Solstice will occur on December 21, 2006. Be sure to mark your calendar for upcoming celestial phenomena which will possibly be visible in your area this year. Part 2 of this series will talk about upcoming full or partial solar and lunar eclipses. Part 3 will be concerned with the planets and planetary phenomena. Until then, look to the skies. |
