(LOOTPRESS) – This Sunday, December 21, marks the official first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere — the winter solstice. At 10:03 a.m. EST, the sun reached its lowest point in the sky, making today the shortest day and longest night of the year.
The solstice occurs twice annually, once in each hemisphere, when Earth’s axial tilt leans farthest away from or toward the sun. For those north of the equator, it means shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and the slow start of the season many associate with snow, cozy nights, and holiday lights.
Despite the chill, the solstice also brings a sense of renewal. From this point forward, daylight will gradually lengthen by just a few seconds each day until the summer solstice in June. Many cultures around the world celebrate this turning point with festivals, candlelight ceremonies, and reflections on endurance and rebirth.
Meteorologists note that while this astronomical event signals the season’s start, the coldest temperatures usually hit weeks later, as Earth continues to lose more heat than it gains. This year, early forecasts suggest a mixed pattern: colder-than-average conditions for parts of the Midwest and Northeast, with milder air persisting in the South.
For skywatchers, the bright full “Cold Moon” later this week will add another spectacle to this seasonal milestone. As winter settles in, experts encourage people to take advantage of the clear, crisp nights — bundle up, step outside, and watch the stars shine their brightest against the long winter dark.
