Summer twilight

This explains the stages of twilight , and describes how the Sun's path changes throughout the year in Manchester, England. The phenomenon of "Simmer Dim" in the Shetland Islands is highlighted, characterized by continuous twilight and celebrated with a festival.

Easter – 21 April 2019

Revised and Updated 16 January 2026 In 2019 , for the majority of people 21 April was Easter Sunday, one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. Although Easter is a is a festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, it is also widely marked by non-Christians in the UK, particularly as there are… Continue reading Easter – 21 April 2019

December 21 2018 – the solstice

The winter solstice, occurring around December 21, marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon's significance is tied to early human cultures, illustrated by Stonehenge, which aligns with solstice events. Celebrations continue today, especially among groups like Druids and Pagans, honoring the gradual return of sunlight.

June 21 2018 – the solstice

This year, the June solstice will fall on 21 June.  In the northern hemisphere, it is the day when there is the most daylight and when the Sun is at its highest in the midday sky.   Sunrise at the solstice at Stonehenge, England - image from Wikimedia commons The origin of the word solstice is… Continue reading June 21 2018 – the solstice

20 March 2018 – the equinox

Now that we are in the month of March, it is only a short time until 21 March, the first day of spring (or first day of autumn if you're one of my readers in the southern hemisphere). There is a commonly held view that 21 March is an equinox and that the equinoxes are the two… Continue reading 20 March 2018 – the equinox