Mark the Winter Solstice at the UMass Amherst Sunwheel

AMHERST — The public is invited to observe sunrise and sunset on the day of the winter solstice among the standing stones of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Sunwheel on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Faculty from the UMass Amherst Astronomy Department will discuss the astronomical cause of the solstice, and a telescope will be set up to observe the waning gibbous moon, Venus, and the surface of the sun. Heavy rain or snow will cancel the gatherings.

Astronomers mark the start of winter as the moment the sun reaches its southernmost apparent position relative to the stars, which this year occurs at 4:20 a.m. EST on Dec. 21.

At the approximately hour-long gatherings, UMass Amherst astronomer Stephen Schneider will discuss the astronomical cause of the solstice.

If it is clear during the morning session, a telescope will be set up to observe the waning gibbous moon. In the evening session a telescope will be set up to safely observe the surface of the sun, and then Venus after sunset.

Sunwheel visitors who stop in on their own will be able to see the sun rising and setting over the winter solstice stones from roughly Dec. 16–26.

The UMass Amherst Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road (Amity Street) about one-quarter mile south of University Drive. Visitors to the Sunwheel should be prepared for freezing temperatures and wet footing. Rain or blizzard conditions cancel the events. Donations are welcome to help with the cost of additional site work and future events.

Mount Holyoke donates to comfort dog program

SOUTH HADLEY — Mount Holyoke College has donated $4,000 to the South Hadley Police Department for use in its comfort dog program.

The donation will be used to fund training, veterinary care, equipment needs, animal insurance, vehicle sensors, food and other various items for the dog and handler.

Deadline Monday to get health coverage for new year

Monday is the deadline for Massachusetts residents to get health insurance for the new year.

Open Enrollment started Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 23. However, most people who need health insurance want coverage to start the new year. The deadline for a plan starting Jan. 1 is Monday, Dec. 23.

Most people who apply for a plan with the Health Connector are eligible for the Health Connector’s unique ConnectorCare program. There are currently more 344,000 people in a Health Connector health insurance plan, and 291,000 of them are enrolled in the ConnectorCare program.

A two-year pilot program started earlier this year expands the income eligibility to the program, with income limits for 2025 plans at $75,300 for an individual and $156,000 for a family of four. ConnectorCare plans make coverage more affordable through lower premiums and co-pays, and the elimination of deductibles. ConnectorCare plans also provide no-cost prescriptions for chronic disease like diabetes and hypertension.

Massachusetts residents who need coverage can go to MAhealthconnector.org to complete an application. People who need help can call Health Connector customer service at 888-MA-ENROLL, with special additional hours on Saturday, Dec. 21, with customer service open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Monday, Dec. 23, customer service is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with anyone in the queue at 6 p.m. being able to access help even after 6 p.m.