Seasons

The Irish Calendar

The Irish Calendar And then the moon, like to a silver bow New-bent in heaven, shall behold the night of our solemnities.   — Willam Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream We recently explored the differences between the typical, astronomical reckoning of seasons and the meteorological method. The former employs celestial geometry cues, while the latter depends on average […]

The Irish Calendar Read More »

The website logo, featuring a string of black mountains, capped in snow, with a setting sun behind the range. The title "The Mountains Are Calling" across the bottom.

Seasonal Lag

Seasonal Lag In the previous article, we learned multiple ways exist to demarcate seasons on Earth. The traditional method of observing the change from one season to the next depends on the interplay between our planet’s axial tilt and the sun. One of the interesting aspects of this method presents at the solstices. The longest day

Seasonal Lag Read More »

Meteorological Seasons vs. Astronomical Seasons

Meteorological Seasons vs. Astronomical Seasons In our investigation of the development of Leap Day, we learned the seasons would drift on our calendars if the intercalary date didn’t exist. One could argue that seasons – the result of axial tilt – are the most important planetary aspect of human existence. For millennia, in many places, people have planned

Meteorological Seasons vs. Astronomical Seasons Read More »

The Autumnal Equinox

The Autumnal Equinox Pumpkin spice permeates the air. Color creeps into the leaves. A favorite season for many people begins tomorrow – autumn. With all the fun of fall, unfortunately, comes the notion that, indeed, winter is coming. Daylight is slipping away. For those of us who loathe the lack of daytime in the winters, the autumnal

The Autumnal Equinox Read More »