What's happened
As the Northern Hemisphere approaches the winter solstice on December 21, 2024, days will begin to lengthen. This event marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, with significant cultural and astronomical implications.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, occurring between December 20 and 23. The article emphasizes the cultural significance of this event, noting that ancient monuments like Stonehenge were aligned with solstices. The Independent elaborates on the solstice's astronomical aspects, explaining how the Earth's tilt affects sunlight distribution. It also highlights the historical importance of the solstice in various cultures, including the celebration of Yule among Germanic peoples. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the solstice's relevance across different domains, from science to culture.
How we got here
The winter solstice occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted farthest from the sun, resulting in the least amount of daylight. This phenomenon has been observed and celebrated by various cultures throughout history.
More on these topics
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Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, two miles west of Amesbury. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons.
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The winter solstice, hiemal solstice or hibernal solstice occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere.