The Astronomy and Cultural Significance of the Longest Night: Winter Solstice

Abstract: This talk links physics and astronomy with our physiological and emotional wellbeing. As our planet moves in its orbit around the Sun, its daily spin imparts an angular momentum that locks the rotational axis in orientation, regardless of where we are in our orbit. As a consequence of this, the Earth experiences seasons that drive an annual rhythm to our lives. In Winter, we experience shorter days and longer nights, and as a species we undergo hormonal changes. We respond to the longer nights with distinct social conventions, many centered around night, darkness and special glimpses of sunlight.

Bio: Roland Dechesne, FRASC*, is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Light Pollution Abatement Committee (RASC LPA Committee) as well as a Past President of the Calgary Centre of the RASC and an amateur astronomer with over 40 years’ experience. He has been a popularizer of astronomy to the public for much of that time. His interests are astrophotography, meteorites and light pollution abatement. He ‘moonlights’ as an oil and gas geologist during the day. He was recently honoured by having asteroid #10087 named for him.
*Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

(Note: This event is free to attend, but City parking payment is not covered and payment is responsible by the attendee)

Join this event online (at time of event) on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88208989938