The Cloud Compass
2011-12-22
Happy Winter Solstice One and All! Here's an interesting solstice fact for you: the Earth is actually receiving more solar radiation at this time of year than at any other time. This is because the Earth does not orbit the sun in a circle, but in an ellipse. In the northern hemisphere winter the Earth is at its closest to the sun, a point called 'perihelion', but in summer it is at its furthest point, or 'aphelion'. The Guardian have published a little article on the timing of the winter solstice. However, my favourite solstice…
