If you live in the north like I do, you know that winter has been here for quite some time. I mean, it’s snowing here today. No prob for me, inside warm and toasty. But I think about all those commuters stuck in their cars going nowhere, just spinning wheels. And the people who must work outside…poor souls! Anyway, I thought you might like to know more about the season we like to call “the pits” here in Chicago. Lord, make it an early spring!!
Winter Solstice 2022: When Is It, And What Is It?
it’s the astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, we have our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside your window, the solstice marks the official start of winter.
What Does “Solstice” Mean?
The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (Sun) and sistere (to stand still) because, during the solstice, the angle between the Sun’s rays and the plane of the Earth’s equator (called declination) appears to stand still.
So, what does that mean, exactly? Upon the winter solstice, the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky, and its noontime elevation seems to stay the same for several days before and after this day. The Sun’s gradual decrease in the sky reverses upon the winter solstice, marking what many cultures believe to be a “rebirth” of the Sun as the hours of daylight become longer.
Essentially, daylight hours (the period of time between sunrise and sunset each day) have been growing slightly shorter each day since the summer solstice last June, which is the longest day of the year (at least in terms of light). December 21 marks the start of when days will begin to grow longer. They will continue to do so until we reach the summer solstice again in June. Then the cycle will begin anew.
While we celebrate the winter solstice, those living in the Southern Hemisphere will be simultaneously marking the arrival of summer. That’s because while our half of the globe is inclined away from the Sun, their half is inclined toward it. Being tilted away from the Sun brings us shorter days and colder temperatures.
OK, double-edged sword. Colder temps, but longer days. And Southern Hemisphere is starting summer. Hm… must think about that.
Stay warm and cozy with maybe someone you lovey!
