SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The winter solstice, marking the official onset of winter, will occur on Saturday, December 21, 2024. This important event signifies the shortest day and longest night of the year for those living in the Northern Hemisphere.
On the winter solstice, the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky at noon, a result of the Northern Hemisphere being tilted farthest from the sun. Conversely, individuals in the Southern Hemisphere will experience their summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. As a result, while Northern Hemisphere locations like Sacramento will enjoy less than 12 hours of daylight, regions south of the equator will see more than 12 hours of sunlight, according to NASA.
Following this solstice, daylight hours will begin to increase, offering a positive outlook for those who cherish longer days. The summer solstice, occurring in June, will be the year’s longest day.
For 2024, the winter solstice will officially begin around 1:20 a.m. Pacific Time, as indicated by TimeandDate. Although the winter solstice is often thought to last the entire day, it actually lasts just a brief moment.
In Sacramento, the sunrise on the winter solstice will be at 7:20 a.m. and the sunset at 4:48 p.m., resulting in a total of 9 hours, 28 minutes, and 12 seconds of daylight. By December 22, daylight will increase by three additional seconds.
The winter solstice not only signifies the start of astronomical winter but also contrasts with the meteorological definition. While astronomical winter begins with the solstice, meteorologists consider winter to start on December 1, coinciding with the coldest three months for the Northern Hemisphere.
The distinction between astronomical and meteorological seasons is rooted in the Earth’s tilt and its relationship to the sun’s position over the equator. As we navigate through winter, both definitions provide insight into our changing environment.
This year’s winter solstice is not only a significant astronomical event but also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of our seasons and the promise of longer days ahead.
In essence, as the darkness of winter begins, it is a moment to reflect on the return of light, making the journey towards longer days something to look forward to.