Winter Solstice AKA The Shortest Day Of The Year

Photo By: Matt Cardy

Tonight is Winter Solstice. The official beginning of winter and shortest day of the whole year!

Winter Solstice occurs annually on a day between December 20 and 23. This year, the December solstice will occur at 9: 30 pm PT tonight. This marks the moment at which the Northern Hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as it will be all year, and usually occurs near the day when there is the least amount of daylight and the most darkness. While the southern hemisphere is experiencing the long days of summer, the northern hemisphere will have the Winter solstice, often called the shortest day of the year. This also means don’t forget those layers of clothing, Winter Solstice is typically the coldest day of winter. The Earth’s tilted axis (tilted approximately 23.5° from a vertical axis) is the reason we have seasons. During the Northern Hemisphere winter, the land north of the equator is tilted away from the sun, which lowers the amount of the sun’s energy warming the Northern Hemisphere. Several cultures and religions use Winter Solstice as a celebration. For example, every year there is a huge gathering at the famous Stonehenge in England.

So, are you planning to celebrate the official coming of winter? What do you plan on doing?