Shortest day, longest night: What you need to know about Winter Solstice
During the solstices, Earth reaches a point where its tilt is at the greatest angle to the plane of its orbit, causing one hemisphere to receive more daylight than the other. (Photo Credits: NASA)
Amidst our farewell to longer daylight hours and the anticipation of winter's magic, India braces for the longest night and the shortest day of the year—a celestial occurrence known as the Winter Solstice.
Observed annually on either December 21 or December 22, this event symbolises a profound shift in seasons.
What transpires during this celestial event?
- On December 21, the Northern Hemisphere observed the winter solstice, universally recognised as a celestial milestone that ushers in the shortest day and longest night of the year.
- This significant juncture in our cosmic journey not only marks a pivotal moment in time but also heralds the advent of the brisk winter season."
What exactly is the #WinterSolstice?
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) December 21, 2023
It's the moment when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the Sun, causing the shortest day and longest night of the year.
After today, days will be longer and nights shorter until the summer solstice in June. (Hooray!) pic.twitter.com/C5UA1QmlZg
Shortest day and longest night
- The Winter Solstice, observed on December 21 or December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, marks a global astronomical event representing the shortest day and longest night of the year.
- This significant juncture not only acts as a temporal milestone but also symbolizes the inception of the chilly winter season.
- The occurrence of the Winter Solstice is a consequence of the Earth's axial tilt, causing one of its poles to tilt maximally away from the Sun.
- In regions of the northern hemisphere, this tilt positions the North Pole farthest from the Sun, resulting in reduced daylight hours and the commencement of astronomical winter.
- Though the solstice itself is fleeting, it conventionally denotes the specific day when it occurs, often referred to as midwinter or "the shortest day."
December 21, 2023#WinterSolstice2023
— Ranjit Kanan Atman 🌍 (@KananRanjit) December 21, 2023
The #WinterSolstice will be observed in #India on December 22 at 8:57 AM.
The shortest day of the year will occur in the #NorthernHemisphere.
Opposite observed #SouthernHemisphere. pic.twitter.com/f4tp8odksK
Historically, the solstice bears immense cultural significance and is steeped in myths and traditions.
Ancient structures such as Stonehenge and Newgrange are aligned with the sunrise or sunset of this day, underscoring its paramount importance to our ancestors.
The winter solstice signifies the northern hemisphere's minimum point, marking the Sun's lowest position in the sky.
In India, the winter solstice occurred on December 22 at 8:57 am, offering approximately 7 hours and 14 minutes of daylight, making it the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.