Winter solstice, activism against gender violence, AIDS day, meteors, Hubble, and FORTRAN.
16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence started in November, includes the The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and continues until Human Rights Day (December 10).
December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 2024’s theme: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
The solstice on December 21 marks the day with the minimum amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere (and the maximum amount in the Southern Hemisphere).
The extra darkness and clear winter skies make it the ideal time to enjoy some December meteor showers:
Andromedids (ends December 6)
Canis-Minorids (4-15)
Coma Berenicids (12-23)
Delta Cancrids (starts Dec 14)
Geminids (13–14)
Monocerotids (7-20)
Phoenicids (ends Dec 9)
Sigma Hydrids (4-15)
Ursids (17-26)
100 years ago:
December 30, 1924: Astronomer Edwin P. Hubble announced his discovery of the spiral nebula Andromeda, proving for the first time that our own Milky Way was but one of many galaxies in the universe.
December 3, 1924: Birthdate of John Backus, inventor of the FORTRAN computer language.
If you observe any of these, or have suggestions for upcoming celebrations or observances, please drop us a line or send a picture to CriticalLinks@centreforinquiry.ca.