Winter Solstice

[dogg57]

At this time of year why is it that the earliest sunset comes before the Winter Solstice? The answer lies in how humans have decided to regulate time. We have decided that a 24 hour day is better for us, but the day is actually just slightly shorter than that. If we took away the clocks we would find that everything works out just fine. The Winter Solstice finally comes for us this year on Thursday, December 22nd at 12:30 am. But what precisely happens at 12:30 am? The Earth arrives at a position in its orbit around the sun, which brings us to a point where we have the least amount of daylight. Also, don’t miss what’s in the sky during these long dark nights. Learn more on this week’s on Sky Talk.

http://whyy.org/cms/news/category/skytalk
By: Alexis Landis
alandis@whyy.org

 

[manumuskin]

I always am sure to hang on tight to something solid on the solstices.The sudden change in direction of tilt always knocks me off my feet if not prepared.On the other hand the equinoxes are a non event.
Al

 

[Dragonfly Whisperer]

I celebrate the Solstice as it means the days are getting longer again. Yippee!!!! Can't wait till its still daylight after 6pm.

 

[Boyd]

Yeah, it's a major psychological milestone for me too. All those extra minutes of daylight add up over time.