The Sun and Moon at Matagorda

My wife and I made another trip to Matagorda Beach, just a few days before Christmas 2018. Among the many beautiful sights were a gorgeous sunset and moonrise the day after the 2018 Winter Solstice.

This left-hand sun dog appeared in the clouds in the early afternoon and stayed until nearly sunset.

Left-hand sun dog near sunset.

When there is a clear view of the Sun setting at the horizon, atmospheric distortion can create a phenomenon called a "green flash." The effect may last for a second or two. I managed to capture one in several images. The best one is below (note the green along the top edge of the Sun).

Green flash at sunset. The pier is located at Jetty Park.
Note the couple walking along the beach in the foreground.

Sunset

Then the Moon rose! Clouds blocked the view at the horizon, but the view was spectacular once it got high enough.

"Cold Moon" full moonrise

Cars exiting the beach at moonrise.

And finally, paraphrasing George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life:

You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a big lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that's a pretty good idea! I'll give you the moon, Kristi!