Winter Solstice: The Shortest Day of the Year
Astronomical Winter Begins
The winter solstice, also known as the December solstice, marks the official start of astronomical winter. It occurs when the Earth's North Pole has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice typically falls on December 21 or 22.
Shortest Day of the Year
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, meaning it has the least amount of daylight. After the solstice, the days gradually begin to get longer.
Farthest South
At the winter solstice, the Sun's path in the sky is farthest south in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the Sun rises later and sets earlier, and the days are shorter than any other time of the year.
Conclusion
The winter solstice is a time of astronomical significance, marking the transition from autumn to winter. It is a reminder that even during the darkest and shortest days, the light will eventually return.
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