Solstice and conjunction

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Clouds to the SW obscure view of the conjunction

Yesterday evening between 4 and 6 pm we might have seen a rare stellar event: the extraordinary conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. The last time the planets were this close from our viewpoint on Earth was almost 400 hundred years ago on 16 July 1623. It is thought to be the Star of Bethlehem. 

Jupiter and Saturn 21 Dec 2020 by E. Piotrowski via twitter


But no conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Clew Bay tonight. Clouds to the SW were not moving at all. Moon in a haze. Next time it will happen is 800 years from now. 

This time in 2010, we were experiencing a big freeze in Mayo. We had spent the winter of 2009-2010, which was even worse by all accounts, in the Caribbean having sailed off in 2009, just a year after arriving in Ireland. It's not very cold this year and, in fact, lots of flowers are blooming and buds budding. 

Yet, we have turned the corner on the solstice and, though Newgrange was closed to the public, the OPW live-streamed; for two or three days the sun shone brightly, illuminating the prehistoric chamber with shafts of light. The days get longer from now on. Everyone is speculating what cruising will be like this year. I don't think it will be pleasant. With Covid tests required every time you change countries, and uncertainty around quarantine, it will be expensive. With Brexit no-deal most likely, the British sailors will be screwed, as will we in Ireland thank you very much. They'll be screwed anyway by their own country with the VAT issue but worse. 

We are getting ready for Christmas but the celebrations will be pandemic-limited. The vaccine is coming. One has been approved for the EU and is shipping as I write. Transmission is out of control in many places with the US the worst. Britain may have a new more virulent strain. I being over 65 will be in one of the earlier groups to get vaccinated. Alex will be slightly later. At least one of us will be available to care for the others if needed. 

Joy to the world!


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