The winter solstice, which signifies the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, will occur on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m. Pacific Time. This pivotal moment heralds the shortest day and the longest night of the year for those living north of the equator. As the Earth tilts away from the sun, the sun’s position at noon will be at its lowest point in the sky.
Conversely, those in the Southern Hemisphere will experience the summer solstice, enjoying the longest day of the year. While residents in the Northern Hemisphere will only have less than 12 hours of daylight, those south of the equator will bask in more than 12 hours. This phenomena is a direct result of the Earth’s axial tilt, a key aspect of its relationship with the sun.
Following the winter solstice, daylight hours will gradually increase, offering a hopeful transition as winter progresses. In Sacramento, for instance, residents can expect the sun to rise at 7:20 a.m. and set at 4:48 p.m. on the solstice, resulting in just 9 hours, 28 minutes, and 12 seconds of daylight—a slight increase by three seconds the following day.
It’s important to note that while many think of the winter solstice as a whole day’s event, it is actually just a brief moment in time. The solstice marks the beginning of what is known as astronomical winter, contrasting with meteorological winter, which starts on December 1 each year and encompasses the three coldest months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Understanding the distinction between astronomical and meteorological seasons can help people appreciate the cycles of nature more deeply. Astronomical seasons are defined by the Earth’s tilt and its relationship to the sun, influencing the timing of solstices and equinoxes. On the other hand, meteorological seasons are categorized based on temperature patterns and align more closely with our calendar months.
As we approach the winter solstice, it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of our environment. The gradual lengthening of days after the solstice can evoke feelings of optimism as we look forward to returning sunlight and warmer days.