The winter solstice, or hibernal solstice, occurs when either of Earth 's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern).

Dec 23, 2025 · December 21 (or December 22) is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, known as the winter solstice, the Sun in the sky is the farthest south and …

Dec 23, 2024 · The summer and winter solstices are caused when the Earth’s tilt toward and away from the sun are at their maximum. During the winter solstice, the Earth’s axis is tilted at its furthest point …

Dec 18, 2025 · The solstice is an end of the sun's annual march higher or lower in the sky. The winter solstice is when the sun makes its shortest, lowest arc.

Dec 24, 2025 · The winter solstice marks the official beginning of astronomical winter (as opposed to meteorological winter, which starts about 3 weeks before the solstice). It occurs once a year in each …

Sep 21, 2017 · The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. In 2024, in the Northern Hemisphere, it takes place on December 21.

Dec 11, 2025 · At the winter solstice, the sun travels the shortest path through the sky, resulting in the day of the year with the least sunlight and therefore, the longest night.

Astronomical winter begins at the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. This means days get longer during winter—very slowly at first, but at ever-larger daily intervals as the March equinox …

Dec 21, 2025 · The winter solstice marks a unique point in Earth’s journey around the sun. At this time, one of the planet’s poles tilts farthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest daylight period and the …

Dec 21, 2024 · Though the winter solstice marks the shortest day of each year, it also signals an increase in the amount of sunlight each day for the next six months.