September is here, a month for seasonal change. The autumnal equinox occurs on Sept. 22, marking the start of fall. The Sun will be straight overhead at the equator, and we’ll have about equal amounts of daylight and night.Â
Welcome to June, the month of the summer solstice, when summer begins. Darkness comes late, but in the evening sky you can still spot reddish Mars, watch its conjunction with a bright star mid-month, or just marvel at the always-changing pattern of constellations in the night sky. There is always something to see!
Enjoy a family-friendly event celebrating the longest night of the year at the Cascade Locks Library from 6-8 p.m. and the Hood River Library from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21
Artist and teacher Laurel Marie Hagner of Glassometry Studios in Odell hosts a weekend Solstice retreat Dec. 17-19. To learn more about Hagner, her artwork or this retreat, visit www.glassometry.com, email laurel @glassometry.com or call 541-354-3015. Registration price includes all activities, art supplies and snacks on Saturday.
In many cultures, the September equinox is a sign of fall (autumn) in the northern hemisphere. In Greek mythology fall is associated with when the goddess Persephone returns to the underworld to be with her husband Hades. It was supposedly a good time to enact rituals for protection and security as well as reflect on successes or failures from the previous months.
