On Saturday, December 21, the Northern Hemisphere will face the longest night of 2024 – the winter solstice. This astronomical phenomenon happens at exactly 4:21 a.m. ET and brings about the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The solstice means the beginning of winter, marking an official arrival, reminding us of the tilt of the Earth and its influence on daylight.
What causes the longest night of 2024?
The winter solstice takes place when the Earth’s axis tilts the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the sun. This positioning gives extended nighttime hours and short daylight hours. For those residing closer to the Arctic Circle, the day will be so short that the sun will not rise at all.
As the sun is now directly above the Tropic of Capricorn, this day is the longest night of 2024 for the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, regions in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying their summer solstice, with the longest day of the year.
The solstice doesn’t always fall on December 21. Variations occur because Earth’s orbit around the sun spans 365.25 days, slightly offsetting the exact date year by year.
What happens after the winter solstice?
Daylight increases after the solstice. Each day will add about a minute of sunlight until spring. In late February, the Northern Hemisphere will gain nearly an hour of additional light compared to the solstice.
Winter officially ends on March 20, 2025, with the vernal equinox, ushering in spring.
Celebrating the Solstice
Solstices are celebrated differently across cultures around the world. For instance, at Stonehenge in England, thousands gather for the sunrise alignment of the sun. The Hopi of Arizona also celebrate the Soyal Ceremony, where there are purification rites and dances.
For Scandinavians, it is St. Lucia’s Day that lightens up the darkest day of the year, whereas for Chinese families, it is Dong Zhi with special foods like tang yuan.
Even Antarctica researchers mark this day with festive meals and icy plunges into polar waters.
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