Winter Solstice today: All about it here

Winter Solstice 2023, on December 21st, marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. This happens because Earth tilts away from the Sun, creating less daylight. Solstices occur twice a year when the Sun's path is farthest north or south.

On December 21st, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest away from the Sun, leading to the shortest day. This occurs at 10:27 p.m. ET. The Southern Hemisphere experiences the most direct sunlight during this time.

The lack of direct sunlight on December 21st makes it the shortest day in the United States. For those north of the equator, daylight is shorter than 12 hours, while it's longer for those south of the equator.



The winter solstice is considered the first day of astronomical winter. Astronomical seasons are marked by solstices and equinoxes, while meteorological seasons are based on temperature cycles and closely follow the monthly calendar.

After the winter solstice, each day in the Northern Hemisphere will have more daylight until the summer solstice on June 20, 2024.

Ancient civilizations, like those who built Stonehenge and the Torreon in Machu Picchu, recognized the significance of solstices. These structures were designed to align with the sun's path relative to Earth.