Tag Archives: solstice

In Boston, clouds and swirling snow deprived us of the sight of a blood-red lunar eclipse on the eve of solstice. The two phenomena have nothing to do with one another astronomically; but as a member of a species drawn to pattern like moths to lamplight, I felt the urge to seek an open patch in the clouds, even at three o'clock in the morning�to no avail.

For the first time since 1638, a lunar eclipse coincides with the winter solstice. Add the Ursid meteor shower, and the tonight's sky offers a triple dose of wintry glamor.