As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, it seems as if winter has already arrived. However, that is astronomic Beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere won’t happen through December 21, 2024. This date, known as the winter solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Meanwhile, residents of the Southern Hemisphere will celebrate summer Solstice on the same day. You will enjoy the longest day and the shortest night of 2024.

The earth’s seasons result from this orbit around the sun and the Inclination of that axis at an angle of 23.5 degrees. During the December solstice, the Northern Hemisphere tilts furthest from the sun and receives much less sunlight. At the other end, the southern hemisphere tilts toward the sun and basks in its warmth.

For antiquity culturesthe winter solstice held great Meaning. Although there were many cold months ahead, the longer days that followed signaled that the sun had not left them. People marked the “rebirth” of the sun thought through Rituals.

Stonehenge is believed to have been built in Wiltshire, England special for solstice ceremonies. It is modest The stone circle is perfectly designed align with the sun Movement during the solstice. Every year hundreds of people gather here for the winter solstice commemorate Yule. It is one of the oldest known solstice celebrations.

Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, Ireland is also very popular. The 5,200-year-old stone structure is designed to accommodate a beam Light enters its central chamber at sunrise during the five days Vicinity the winter solstice. The light illuminates the complicated Carvings inside the structure for about 17 minutes. Because of its popularity dusk Entry to the chamber is from December 19th to 23rd of each year limited to a few dozen people selected by lottery. Once this is done, visitors will be able to enter without a ticket in groups of 20.

Many cities across the United States have begun their own winter solstice Traditions. In San Francisco, California, residents celebrate Opportunity with a bonfire on Ocean Beach. Meanwhile, in Anchorage, Alaska, people enjoy the 18+ hour long night of fun activities. This includes sleigh rides, hikes on paths lit with ice lanterns and admiring the shimmering Northern lights, which often appear during this time.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Resources: NASA.gov, Wikipedia.org, rmg.co.uk