Devastation Media

It’s very early Tuesday morning as this is being written. December 21st. Look outside, if you’re awake. There’s a celestial event or two going on. A total lunar eclipse is taking place on the same day as the winter solstice.

A lunar eclipse, for those who are foggy on the matter, is when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow. This can only happen when the moon is full.

The winter solstice is the day that the sun reaches its lowest point of the year. It is also the first day of winter. Anyone who lives in the northern U.S. and has been outdoors today will wholeheartedly agree with that too, having been thoroughly pummeled by the windchill.

This is a huge day for serious astronomers and hobby loving stargazers alike. The winter solstice and a total lunar eclipse haven’t happened on the same day since 1638.

But what if you aren’t particularly interested in the stars? I know I’m not.

So, what then?

I got to thinking about the lunar eclipse of 2010 and I had to ask myself that exact question. Winter is starting on the same day as a lunar eclipse. Exactly why should we care?

Here’s what I came up with – Why wouldn’t you care?

The world has had a long history and many things of varying significance have happened through the course of it. The ones that you are there for shape what will be your existence on this planet, and your story to tell. Maybe it’s that Ali beat Frazier, that David Blaine is underwater at Lincoln Center, the storm of the century, or a lunar eclipse. Whatever these moments happen to be, I think it’s important to be there for yours when you can.

Half of life is just showing up, right? So get up from your keyboard, get some fresh air, and stare at a total lunar eclipse for a while. Just because it’s happening on the same day as the winter solstice. For that reason alone. You can get a wonderful view of it from anywhere in North America. No protective goggles are required. And you might just be a better person on your deathbed for it.

We won’t get another crack at this until 2094. Personally, I’m going to get my fix of the lunar eclipse right now…

Tags: Lincoln Center, North America, Solar eclipse, total lunar eclipse, better person, Solar System, fresh air

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