Solstice Moon from Alaska

The crescent Moon and planet Jupiter shine in a clear December evening of Alaska. As noted by the photographer “Out to the south is the winter solstice moon, chasing our meager winter sun as it slips into night. The sun has just been above the southern horizon for 3 hours, 42 minutes, our shortest day, giving us our longest night, 20 hours, 18 minutes long. A cold clear night with a few soft patches of cloud, all at -20°F. About 25 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska, out near the Chatanika Lodge. It was not quite dark yet, but the day was surrendering to the arctic night. In another day the sun will start its slow climb higher into the sky as this once longest night becomes a memory for another year. But for the moment, the night is the undisputed king.” © LeRoy Zimmerman