The 2010 census

The first batch of 2010 census data were published yesterday. The U.S. population now stands at over 308 million, growing 9.7 percent in the last decade. This is the slowest growth since the 1930's when the population grew at only 7.3%.

The South (14.3%) and the West (13.8%) continued to grow at above average rates, while the Northeast (3.2%) and Midwest (3.9%) growth rates were below average. The biggest gain was measured in Nevada (35%), while Texas grew fastest in absolute numbers. The Texas population rose with 4.3 million people to 25.1 million. California remains the most populous state at 37.2 residents. Michigan was the only state to lose population.

The census website has this great interactive graphic.

The lunar eclipse on the winter solstice

We watched a total lunar eclipse yesterday. The last time there was a lunar eclipse on the winter solstice was on Dec. 21st, 1638. The next one will be in 2094. So more than likely this was a once in a lifetime event.

The moon started entering the earth's shadow at 12:33 a.m. and was fully eclipsed by 1:41 a.m. We had put our patio chairs in the yard and we all were out for some good viewing.

The moon was straight above us. As the shadow progressed, the sky got darker and more stars appeared in the sky. We used the wonderful Star Walk app on Ina's Ipad to find the names of stars and constellations.

A winter concert

Greg performed with the Cockrill Middle School Sinfonietta Orchestra at the Winter Concert last night. They played Five Note Samba by Michael Hopkins and A Shaker Hymn in an arrangement by John O'Reilly. Then they performed Primitivo by Michael Story together with the CMS Symphony Orchestra.

The YouTube clip above shows Greg (third from left) at concert two months ago.