Thoughts on Winter Solstice

Recently we had the winter solstice. That is when the earth points away from the sun in the northern  hemisphere. As we discussed that in 3rd grade at Stratton Public Schools, I asked the teacher how the earth knew how far to tilt, how it stopped, and went back. That was Vonda Carlson. Anyone remember her? She said that it just did.

My next question was what happens if the “stop” order does not work and the earth kept tipping until it was upside down? I did not ask her that. I was certainly relieved when, years later, I learned that the earth does not tilt like a top. It is just pointed at an angle and as it circumnavigates the sun, the top is pointed toward the plane of the sun half of the year and away the other half. The equinox is when it is exactly half way in between.

The tilt of the earth is 23.5 degrees. Isn’t it fortunate that it is just that? If it were zero, or straight up as it goes around the sun, the climate at any one place on earth would be the same year around. If the tilt were much more than that, the extremes would be more than humans could tolerate. What a wonderful design. Here is a link to explain it more fully. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Astro/orbtilt.html  (Speaking of design, watch for an upcoming dissertation on the design of the solar system. Shameless self promotion.)

Here is a Puzzle: When does 12 come before 11 when counting forward? Don’t look until you think.

On the clock. 12 AM is eleven hours before 11 AM. Same with PM.

Puzzle or riddle 2: What is Santa at the South Pole? A lost Claus.

Last year my granddaughter was playing with the nativity scene and moving the pieces around. As she placed them, she named them. Mary, Joseph, and then she said, “And here is the little lamb. He goes in the manger.”

Pretty good theology there. Have a Merry Christmas.