SoCal Skiing
Cross-Country Skiers are in for a short-lived treat late this month through February if winter storms intense enough to drop several inches to two feet of snow hit San Diego County's higher mountains. As the clouds are clearing, you may …
In Search of the Green Flash
The Fabled "Green Flash" at sunset or sunrise can sometimes be seen on crystal-clear days in December and January. At the instant the sun's upper rim is last visible at sunset, and also at the instant when it is first …
Winter Solstice Arrives
Winter Solstice, the moment when the sun reaches its southernmost point on the celestial sphere, occurring this year at 9:47am, Monday, December 21. This event signals the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of summer in …
Palm Fruit & Sweet Gums
Liquidambar Trees, or sweet gums, the colorfully deciduous trees gracing front yards, parks, and campuses throughout the San Diego area, have been putting on a good show for the past month. The maplelike leaves of some varieties have turned from …
A Month with a View
Hike to San Diego County's High Places to take advantage of December's characteristically clear air. From spots such as Cuyamaca Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Wooded Hill in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, and Boucher Hill at Palomar Mountain …
Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid Meteor Shower, one of the year's two most regularly active showers, peaks on the evening of Sunday, December 13 through the morning of the 14th. No moonlight in the sky this year means optimum dark-sky viewing (as long …
Poinsettias & Christmas-Berries
Poinsettias, a favorite of backyard gardeners, are now exhibiting their scarlet, petal-like bracts, just in time for the holidays. The onset of 14-hour-long nights triggers their behavior. In San Diego this condition is met just before the date of winter …
December Shorebird-Watching
Shorebird-watching enters its most agreeable season this month, with migrant and resident birds sharing common winter grounds. Egrets, herons, terns, and a variety of other species provide endless entertainment as they go about the business of fishing and feeding in …
The Red Planet
The Red Planet Mars increasingly becomes a prominent late night and early morning object in December. The distance between Earth and Mars is currently narrowing. By late January 2010 Mars will be at opposition to the sun (180° away from …
The Tides of December
Exceptionally High and Low Tides are set to occur on several days in early December. These tides closely coincide with the full moon (which was December 1). On Wednesday, December 2, a peak high tide of +6.7 feet occurs at …