The winter solstice signifies the official beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides the longest night and shortest day of the year since the North Pole is tilted the most away from the Sun. This astronomical event is commemorated by individuals globally in different manners. From the date to its importance, here’s everything essential for you to understand.
Date And Time of Winter Solstice 2024
This year, the winter solstice is set to take place on Saturday, December 21. The Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees primarily leads to the winter solstice and the seasonal changes. Take a look at the Indian schedule for the event listed below:
Winter solstice moment - 02:49 PM
Sunrise on winter solstice - 07:10 AM
Sunset on the winter solstice - 05:29 PM
The Sky This Week from December 20 to 27: Welcome the winter solstice - https://t.co/X8ixXfRZk5#Astronomy #Astrophysics #Physics #Space #NASA pic.twitter.com/1nzyoo5cYA
— Eyes to the Stars (@Eyes2TheStars) December 20, 2024
What Is Winter solstice?
As Earth revolves around the Sun, its axial tilt leads to the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receiving differing amounts of sunlight, which creates varying seasons. In the winter of the Northern Hemisphere, nights are longer and days are shorter, whereas the Southern Hemisphere enjoys summer. The winter solstice takes place when the North Pole is angled farthest away from the Sun, indicating the year's briefest day and longest night. This occurrence takes place every year on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and on June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. Differences in solstice dates occur due to Earth’s elliptical orbit and the leap years of the Gregorian calendar, according to NASA.
Importance Of Winter Solstice
The winter solstice holds significant cultural, historical, and astronomical relevance. For centuries, individuals around the globe have commemorated this celestial event and the "return" of the Sun in diverse ways. Historical edifices such as Stonehenge are also oriented with the winter solstice's dawn or dusk, illustrating the importance of the event.
In addition to its cultural significance, the winter solstice signifies an important shift in the Earth's orbit around the Sun. After the solstice, days start to grow longer, representing the arrival of light and warmth. This change has prompted numerous cultures to see the solstice as a period of renewal and optimism, honoring the expectation of brighter days to come.