The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere signifies the shortest day and longest night of the year.
A significant celestial event will unfold On December 21, 2023, at 10:27 pm, as the sun illuminates the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere, marking the winter solstice north of the equator and the summer solstice south of it.
This astronomical occurrence signals the official commencement of a new season and offers a profound opportunity to contemplate the intricacies of life on a planet with a tilted axis.
The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere signifies the shortest day and longest night of the year, while in the southern hemisphere, it marks the longest day and shortest night.
This phenomenon is intricately tied to Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees, resulting in varying sunlight exposure across different regions during the annual orbit around the sun.
Dr Minjae Kim, a Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, explains that the northern hemisphere tilts away from the sun during the solstice, causing it to hang lower in the sky.
In contrast, the southern hemisphere experiences a longer duration of sunlight as the sun positions itself over the Tropic of Capricorn.
The solstice acts as a pivotal moment in the sun’s apparent movement, creating a brief pause and change in direction. The term “solstice” originates from the Latin “solstitium,” meaning “sun stands still,” reflecting the sun’s southernmost point against the backdrop of stars.
Also read: WhatsApp rolls out ability to share status updates from linked devices
As a result of the solstice, days in the northern hemisphere will gradually lengthen until reaching equal day and night during the March equinox.
The Earth’s axial tilt is the fundamental factor behind these seasonal variations, influencing temperature differences and the length of day and night throughout the year.
While the solstice is not widely celebrated, observing the sunrise or sunset on this day at ancient sites like Stonehenge provides a tangible connection to the astronomical event.
Additionally, stargazing after dark can offer spectacular views, with Jupiter making a prominent appearance in the southeastern night sky.
Looking ahead to 2024, dates for equinoxes, solstices, and cross-quarter days are provided, offering a glimpse into the celestial calendar milestones that shape our understanding of time and seasons.
