The 2020 winter solstice offers a rare planetary spectacle, as well as the longest night of the year. The days slowly lengthen from here on out. Accessibility statement Skip to main content ...

The winter solstice marks the beginning of astronomical winter. It's different from the beginning of the meteorological winter, which is based on our 12-month calendar.

Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official first day of winter, is on Thursday, Dec. 21, this year (well, for the vast bulk of the Americas anyway).

The winter solstice is the exact moment that the Northern Hemisphere is tilted the farthest it ever gets from the sun. During the Northern Hemisphere's winter, the land north of the equator is ...

The winter solstice marks the point when the North Pole is at its furthest location away from the sun, creating the atmosphere for shorter hours of sunlight.

Winter solstice 2021, the shortest day of year and the official first day of winter, is on Tuesday, Dec. 21. How it all works has fascinated people for thousands of years.

Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official first day of winter, is on Thursday, Dec. 21, this year (well, for the vast bulk of the Americas anyway).

When is the winter solstice? In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs every year on Dec. 21 or 22. This year, it falls on Dec. 21. The summer solstice is six months later around June 21.

Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official first day of winter, is on Thursday, Dec. 21, this year (well, for the vast bulk of the Americas anyway).