Winter Solstice

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.  If you are persnickety we will enjoy only 8 hours and 46 minutes of daylight today.

Meteorological winter is the three coldest months of the year which happen to be December, January and February in the northern hemisphere.  This system is used by meteorologists because it groups seasons into tidy 90 day temperature cycles convenient for tracking weather statistics. 

This is different from astronomical winter - which is based on the earth's position relative to the sun.  As a consequence, on this date for anyone residing in Antarctica (the South Pole)  - the opposite is true.  Today you would observe the Midnight Sun and enjoy 24 hours of sunlight.  For us living in the northern hemisphere tonight will be the longest night of the year.  This is to say that after this evening the daylight hours will begin to grow longer in the days and weeks to follow leading up to the Summer Solstice in June and the longest day of the year. 

If today is nice and sunny be sure to go outside at 9:03 AM 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!