Winter Solstice 2024: Shortest Day and Longest Night
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- December 18, 2024
- 11:48 am
- 31
- Trending
The shortest day and longest night of the year will arrive with the winter solstice on Saturday, December 21, 2024. At exactly 4:20 a.m. ET, the Northern Hemisphere will experience this unique event. The winter solstice happens because the Earth tilts at an angle of 23.4 degrees. During this time, the North Pole tilts farthest away from the Sun, resulting in fewer daylight hours.
On the solstice, the Sun will appear at its lowest point in the sky. Cities like New York will see only 9 hours and 15 seconds of daylight, while Los Angeles will get slightly more at 9 hours and 53 minutes. This day marks the official start of winter and offers a chance to reflect on the changing seasons.
The Shortest Day
Despite being the shortest day, the winter solstice does not bring the earliest sunset everywhere. For example, in New York, the earliest sunset happened earlier in the month, on December 8, at 4:28 p.m. ET. On the solstice, the sun will set a bit later, at 4:32 p.m. ET. This difference occurs due to Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun and the tilt of its axis.
Most years, the solstice falls on December 21 or 22. However, rare dates like December 20 or 23 occasionally host the solstice. The last December 23 solstice took place in 1903, and the next will not happen until 2303.
The Longest Night
The longest night offers a perfect chance for stargazing. Clear skies will reveal the Orion constellation, known for its bright stars and surrounding gas clouds. Many stargazers consider this night ideal for observing the wonders of the winter sky.
Final Thoughts
The winter solstice reminds us of the balance in nature. As the days begin to lengthen after this event, people often use this time to celebrate hope and renewal. Whether you enjoy stargazing or simply appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons, the winter solstice offers something special for everyone.
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