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When is December Solstice and Why is it known as the Longest Night and Shortest Day of the Year?
December Solstice: Learn why December 21 marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. Explore the science, significance, and cultural traditions behind this celestial event!
Date & Time:
- 2024: Sat, 21 Dec, 2024, 2:50 pm
- 2025: Sun, 21 Dec, 2025, 8:32 pm
- 2026: Tue, 22 Dec, 2026, 2:19 am
- 2027: Wed, 22 Dec, 2027, 8:11 am
The December Solstice is a fascinating event that occurs every year, marking an important moment in our planet’s journey around the Sun.
This is the day when one of the two hemispheres of Earth is tilted the furthest away from the Sun, creating a dramatic difference in the amount of daylight experienced in different parts of the world.
The term “solstice” comes from Latin, combining the words “sol” (meaning Sun) and “sistere” (meaning to stand still). This describes the moment when the Sun seems to pause in its movement along the horizon before reversing direction.
The December Solstice has been celebrated and observed by cultures across the globe for centuries, symbolising change, renewal, and the balance of light and dark.
Understanding the science behind this phenomenon is simple. The Earth orbits the Sun on a slightly tilted axis—about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is what causes the seasons and impacts how sunlight is distributed across the planet. During the December Solstice, the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun, while the South Pole is tilted closest to it.
As we dive deeper into this article, we’ll explore why this astronomical event matters, how it influences our daily lives, and some of the traditions and celebrations tied to the solstice.
So, whether you’re marvelling at the stars on the longest night or soaking up the Sun in the Southern Hemisphere, the December Solstice is a moment to pause and appreciate the wonders of our world.
