Captain Glenn's Sailing & Boating Page

At this very moment, Earth is at its absolute closest point to the Sun for the entire year of 2026!

Known as Perihelion (from the Greek peri meaning "near" and helios meaning "Sun"), this annual event marks the moment our planet swings within 91.4 million miles (147.1 million km) of our star—about 3 million km closer than we will be in July.

Despite this proximity, it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere because seasons are driven by Earth’s axial tilt, not our distance from the Sun. Right now, the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun, keeping us cold even as we graze our orbital "speed limit."

🚀 Celestial Speed Boost: According to Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, Earth is currently moving at its fastest orbital speed—roughly 18.8 miles per second (30.3 km/s)—as the Sun’s gravity tugs us harder. This extra speed actually makes the Northern Hemisphere winter the shortest season of the year!

Credit: Secrets of the Universe FB page

Sunrise today on Winter Solstice over Stonehenge ❄️

The sun aligns perfectly with the ancient stones to mark the Winter Solstice. For thousands of years, this moment has signaled the end of the longest night and the rebirth of the sun. A breathtaking start to the new solar cycle as we welcome the gradual return of longer days.

Credit: *Poached from Neil deGrasse Tyson's page

Link to Gordon Lightfoot's recording in comments.

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank on this day, November 10th, 50 years ago, during a gale on Lake Superior. (Warning Brief beginner level guitar chord accompaniment included, LOL). Link to Gordon Lightfoot's song and map of SS Edmund Fitzgerald's last communications in comments.

Happy All-Hallow's Eve, Mateys! Yarrr t' ye!