Precise winter solstice

This very minute, the Earth’s axis in the northern hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as it will be all year: the moment of the winter solstice. Since there is lag built into the annual cycle of temperatures, we still have much of the cold to endure. Even so, our progression through the orbit will expose this hemisphere to ever more sunlight over the course of the next six months.

Provided travel plans are being implemented smoothly, I should find myself in the air on the way to Vancouver when this post is published. It is excellent to have the chance to spend twelve days visiting family and friends, even if the (offset) greenhouse gas emissions from the flight are a source of guilt and evidence of hypocrisy.

It is likely that posts between now and January 2nd will be less frequent and substantial than the norm. After traveling all the way to Vancouver, it makes sense to spend every possible minute with those who are normally distant.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here. View all posts by Milan