Tomorrow, Sunday, December 21 at 10:03 am EST is the Winter Solstice marking the official start of winter, when Earth’s northern axis tilts furthest from the Sun. It’s the moment the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, signaling the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky, and its noontime elevation seems to stay the same for several days before and after this day. The Sun’s gradual decrease in the sky reverses upon the winter solstice, marking what many cultures believe to be a “rebirth” of the Sun as the hours of daylight become longer.
Some interesting facts about the Winter Solstice:
- This astronomical event happens at the same precise moment globally. In our Eastern Standard Time zone, the exact moment is 10:03 am on December 21.
- On Seabrook Island, we will have only nine hours and 59 minutes of daylight that day. The good news is it only gets brighter from here!
- Your noontime shadow during the Winter Solstice will be the longest noontime shadow of the year. In June, the Summer Solstice will be your shortest noontime shadow. This is because the Sun is at different angles. The Sun’s low arc across the sky in winter causes objects to cast longer shadows. Go outside at noon and check it out!
For more information about the Winter Solstice, click here
-Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: Britannica)