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POLITIKOFF

When will the shortest day and longest night of the year be?

Politiko 2024-12-18 21:55:42

The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and brings the shortest day and longest night of the year. In 2024, the solstice occurs on Saturday, December 21, at 4:21 a.m. EST. This astronomical event, caused by the Earth's tilt of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun, also marks the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Earth's axial tilt causes varying exposure to sunlight in different hemispheres throughout the year, creating the seasons. During the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice, the North Pole tilts away from the Sun, plunging it into darkness for 24 hours. At the same time, the South Pole tilts toward the Sun, experiencing uninterrupted light. On this day, the Sun appears lowest in the sky at northern latitudes, reaching its highest point directly over the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° south of the equator).

The solstice usually falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. This variation comes from the slight misalignment of the Gregorian calendar with the Earth's orbital period of 365.25 days, which requires leap years to synchronize the calendar.

Astronomically, winter lasts from the solstice to the vernal equinox (March 19–21), covering about 89 days in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorologically, winter encompasses the period from December 1 to February 28/29, coinciding with the coldest months of the year.

Misconceptions about winter cold

Despite the decrease in sunlight, the winter solstice is not the coldest day of the year. The oceans and land slowly release the heat accumulated during the summer, delaying the peak of the cold for several weeks. As the days lengthen after the solstice, solar radiation gradually warms the Earth.

The solstice has inspired cultural traditions around the world. At Stonehenge, in England, the sunset aligns with the Altar and Slaughter stones, symbolizing rebirth or reverence for the Sun. Similarly, Mayan structures such as those at Tulum, Mexico, incorporate alignments with the solstice, attesting to the deep connection of ancient civilizations to celestial patterns.

Contrary to popular belief, Earth is closest to the Sun (at perihelion) in early January, about two weeks after the solstice. At this point, Earth is about 91.4 million miles (147.1 million kilometers) from the Sun, compared to its furthest point (aphelion) in early July.

A perpetual celebration of change

From ancient monuments to modern gatherings, the winter solstice represents reflection and transition. It marks a pivotal moment of the year, reconnecting humanity with the rhythms of the cosmos and offering hope through the lengthening of the day.