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Winter Solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles – either the North or South Pole- is tilted farthest away from the Sun. This tilt is about 23.5 degrees from the plane of Earth’s orbit.
Winter Solstice marks the beginning of winter. (Image: Shutterstock)
Winter Solstice 2024: In the Northern Hemisphere, winter officially begins on the winter solstice. Because the North Pole is angled furthest away from the Sun, it provides the year’s shortest day and longest night. On this day, the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky at noon, resulting in the least amount of sunlight for the year. After the winter solstice, the days gradually begin to lengthen again, leading toward the arrival of spring.
People all throughout the world celebrate this celestial event in different ways. This year’s winter solstice will be on Saturday, December 21. The winter solstice and seasonal shift are caused mostly by the Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt on its axis.
Winter Solstice 2024: Here’s All About It
The Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive different quantities of sunlight throughout the year due to the tilt of our planet as it revolves around the sun. This causes the two hemispheres’ seasonal variations to be contrasted.
In contrast to the Southern Hemisphere, which experiences summer, the Northern Hemisphere experiences little daylight throughout winter.
During the Winter Solstice, the North Pole is angled furthest from the sun, bringing with it the longest night of the year and the least amount of daylight.
In each hemisphere, the winter solstice falls on particular dates.
It always occurs on either December 21 or December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.
Every year on June 20 or June 21, the winter solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere.
Because of the Earth’s irregular orbit around the sun, the winter solstice date fluctuates somewhat from year to year. According to NASA, the Earth’s 365.25-day orbit is not quite in line with the 365-day cycle of the Gregorian calendar, which adds a leap day every four years.
The Indian Timings
- Winter solstice time: 02:49 PM
- Winter solstice sunrise: 07:10 AM
- Winter solstice sunset: 05:29 PM
Winter Solstice 2024: Significance
This occurrence has significant astronomical, historical, and cultural implications. This significant astronomical event has long been observed by people worldwide, who have celebrated the Sun’s ‘return’ in a number of ways. Stonehenge and other ancient structures are even orientated to face the sunrise or sunset on the winter solstice.
The winter solstice has cultural importance, but it also signifies a change in the Earth’s orbit around the sun. The days progressively lengthen after the solstice, signifying the return of warmth and light. For this reason, the solstice represents a time of hope and rebirth in many cultures.
Winter Solstice 2024: How It Is Observed
The winter solstice is a time for introspection, thankfulness, and celebration; it provides a chance to embrace the symbolism of rebirth and establish a connection with the natural world. The sun rising and setting on the day of the solstice is a fantastic way to commemorate the occasion.
Lighting a candle or starting a fire represents the return of the Sun and the promise of new beginnings, but adorning with evergreens like holly or pine celebrates life’s perseverance even in the darkest of times. The most popular annual custom is to congregate at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise. Another option is to go outside after dark and look at the stars.