The winter solstice, which signifies the official beginning of winter, will occur on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m. Pacific Time. For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, this day will be marked by the shortest duration of daylight and the longest night of the year, as the sun reaches its lowest position in the sky. This phenomenon occurs due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which positions the northern half of the planet farthest from the sun.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, residents will experience the longest day of the year, celebrated as the summer solstice. According to NASA, on this day, locations north of the equator will receive less than 12 hours of sunlight, while those south will enjoy more than 12 hours.
As the date approaches, there is a collective anticipation for longer days, beginning right after the solstice. In fact, each day following December 21 will bring a slight increase in daylight—Sacramento will see a day length of 9 hours, 28 minutes, and 12 seconds, with a modest increase of three seconds on December 22.
It’s important to note the distinction between astronomical and meteorological winter. The astronomical winter begins on the winter solstice, occurring between December 21 and December 22 each year. In contrast, meteorological winter starts on December 1 and consists of the three coldest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
To further clarify the seasonal definitions, astronomical seasons rely on the Earth’s tilt and its position relative to the sun, leading to solstices and equinoxes. Conversely, meteorological seasons follow calendar months, aligning more closely with climatic patterns.
In summary, the upcoming winter solstice not only represents a pivotal moment in the annual cycle, reflecting nature’s rhythms, but also brings with it the promise of returning daylight—symbolizing hope and the gradual approach of spring.
As we embrace the solstice, let’s be reminded that each day following it will bring more light, encouraging us to look forward to brighter days ahead.