Why Is There So Much Hype About Winter Solstice? Complete Info Here

On Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:27 p.m. EST, a significant worldwide moment occurs when the sun rises over the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere.

A new season officially begins on the winter solstice, which occurs north of the equator, and the summer solstice, which occurs south of it.

It is obvious that you cannot see the sun shining at 10:27 p.m. But this moment will mark the official beginning of the winter season in the United States.

Solstice Explained

In easy words, the solstice marks the astronomical beginning of a new season. Now in the USA, it will mark the beginning of the winter season. While in the southern hemisphere, it will mark the beginning of the summer season. (To get an overview of the Southern Hemisphere, think of lower Latin American countries).

According to astronomy, it is the start of summer in the southern hemisphere and winter in the northern. The longest day and the shortest night of the year occur in the south, while the shortest day and longest night occur in the north.

All of this is merely an account of the rotation of our globe. Because of the 23.5-degree tilt of the Earth’s axis, various regions of the planet receive sunlight for varying periods during our yearly circle around the sun. Most likely, an event from billions of years ago caused it.

How Does Solstice Affect You?

It does not have a direct effect on an individual. Simply, no one is affected by the occurrence. It just makes us excited.

Throughout the year, the sun rises and sets at various locations on the horizon. While most of us do not, those who watch sunrises and sunsets naturally understand this. The extreme points are defined by the solstices. On the winter solstice, for instance, the sun rises in the southeast and sets in the southwest in the northern hemisphere.

These are the locations where you may view the dawn and sunset during the year. When the summer solstice arrives in June, six months from now, the Sun will rise in the northeast and set in the northwest in the northern hemisphere. You guessed it—the equinox, which happens in both March and September—marks the midway point. The sun rises and sets in the exact east during the equinox.

Can We See It?

No! It is not like an eclipse that you can enjoy. Moreover, it is a kinda time game.

The solstice is a significant landmark in the Earth’s orbit around the sun, but not many people observe it, especially in the winter when it falls so close to other holidays.

There are various ways to observe the solstice besides simply seeing the sun rise or set, which is something that historic sites like Stonehenge seem to connect with.

But we are in the United States. Here is what you can do.

All you have to do is step outdoors after midnight and enjoy some stargazing. This year, there will be a very bright Jupiter visible high in the southeast night sky. Plus, it will be seen right after sundown.

So, catch the view of a stunning sunset and then Jupiter today.