The hiemal solstice or hibernal solstice, sometimes
called midwinter or astronomical winter. More commonly known as the winter solstice this event occurs when the
Sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.4 degrees. It is that point
in time when the sun is exactly over the Tropic of Capricorn. In other words - when the North Pole is
tilted furthest away from the Sun. Since I am persnickety, at my latitude I will enjoy only 8 hours and 48 minutes of daylight today.
If today is nice and sunny be sure to go outside at noon to observe your shadow. On the solstice your shadow is the longest it will be all year.
Before bedtime you may want to go outside to observe the heavens and raise a toast to the winter solstice. And maybe howl at the moon.
Fingers-crossed for cold, clear, winter night skies.
Cheers!
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