Winter Solstice 2023: 10 key facts to know about the shortest day of the year
Earth's axial tilt is the protagonist behind the winter solstice, causing the North Pole to tilt farthest away from the Sun. This phenomenon, documented by NASA, results in minimal direct sunlight and shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere. Contrary to intuition, the day of the winter solstice does not house the earliest sunset.
EarthSky explains that this peculiarity arises due to our time measurement methods and Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun. The solstice is not a full day but an exact moment when the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky. Time and Date shed light on this temporal precision.
The term "solstice" originates from the Latin words "sol" (Sun) and "sistere" (to stand still), as noted by Britannica. This reflects the ancient belief that the sun seemed to "stand still" at its southernmost point during this period. Throughout history, diverse cultures have celebrated the winter solstice as a time of rebirth and renewal.
Examples include the Roman festival of Saturnalia, the Germanic Yule, and the Persian Yalda Night. Stonehenge in England aligns with the winter solstice sunset, suggesting its possible use for astronomical observations and solstice celebrations. Symbolizing a turning point, the winter solstice marks the gradual increase in daylight, incorporated into winter celebrations like Christmas and Hanukkah.
NPR delves into the symbolism of light and hope. Despite being the shortest day, the winter solstice isn't necessarily the coldest. The temperatures typically lag behind the change in daylight hours, with the coldest weather often arriving later in winter.
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