December 21, 2024
This is called the northern winter solstice, and it is when we have the least amount of daylight of any time of the year. During this time, the Sun appears lowest in the sky, with the least angle to Earth, and we receive less sunlight and warmth. This is also when the days are shorter and the nights are longer.
6 facts about the winter solstice
Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun; the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and begins to grow again.
The December solstice is on December 22, 2023, at 3:27 UTC (that is December 21, 9:27 p.m. in central North America). Note: On this solstice, the sun will be overhead at noon as viewed from the Tropic of Capricorn.
Many ascribed meaning to the behavior of the skies based on existing folk tales and cultural perspectives, believing the winter solstice’s lack of sunlight was caused by monsters who stole the sun away. Some cultures also saw the solstice as an opportunity to create light, or goodness, in the face of darkness, or evil.