Table of Contents
The Winter solstice, which takes place today, marks the shortest day and the longest night of 2018. Here’s all you need to know.
Today, December 21, the winter solstice is celebrated on the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This happens once a year in every hemisphere and perhaps the reason why this day is so unique.
This is the day when the sun appears in its southernmost position. The solstice of this year is also special because it will be followed the next day by a full moon, called the cold moon, which will be visible at night with the Ursid meteor shower. Here’s all you need to know about the winter solstice, its duration and its relevance.
What does solstice mean?
The term “solstice” is derived from two Latin words “sun” meaning sun and “sistere” meaning stop. The sun seems to stop in the winter sky, marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
What is the Winter solstice?
The winter solstice of 2018 will mark the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, where the sun appears in its southernmost position, directly above the Tropic of Cancer. It is also the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. He will come with a full moon in the sky. The full moon will be visible between 21 and 22 December.
When is the Winter solstice and how long is it?
The solstice takes place on December 21st, today. The exact time would be 5:23 pm EST (for the United States, Canada and Latin America). In India, the winter solstice will take place at 3:35 pm. IST on December 22nd. During this time of year, the duration of the day is 24 hours and 30 seconds.
