Crank the orrery on

The eclipsed moon hangs ghostly pink in the sky, strange and seemingly transported from the cover of an old science fiction book to hang above our heads.

On the opposite horizon, glorious dawn colours announce the approaching sun. It is these orange and red sunbeams that light the setting moon, our atmosphere bending the longer red wavelengths round the earth.

Orbital mechanics crank the orrery on to its next position, and we whiz along.

Sun risen, moon set.

Shortest day begun.

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