22 December will see longest night and shortest day of the year, here's why

As the final days of the year unfold, a celestial transition takes place in the winter solstice. This planetary phenomenon, slated for 22 December, 2023, stands as the Northern Hemisphere’s shortest day and longest night, a moment when the Earth’s axial tilt reaches its maximum distance from the sun. Understanding the Winter Solstice The winter solstice is more than just a date; it’s a specific juncture when the North Pole tilts at approximately 23.4 degrees away from the sun. This tilt casts sunlight thinly over the hemisphere, creating the shortest path through the sky. This results in minimal daylight and an extended embrace of darkness, a phenomenon revered by cultures worldwide for millennia. Winter’s Official Arrival In 2023, the solstice not only marks the official commencement of winter but, as the sun reaches its lowest point in the Northern Hemisphere sky, it signals a pivotal moment when the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed, ushering in the promise of increasing light. Significance of Winter Solstice This natural event carries profound cultural significance across various societies. Ancient marvels like Stonehenge in England and temple pyramids in Cahokia, Illinois, align with the solstice sun, underscoring the day’s importance to our ancestors. In modern times, the solstice continues to be celebrated through various rituals, from the symbolic lighting of candles to festivals that honor the sun’s “rebirth.” The Reason Behind the Darkness The extended darkness during the winter solstice is intricately tied to the Earth’s axial tilt. As the Northern Hemisphere leans away from the sun, its rays strike the hemisphere at an oblique angle. This geometric arrangement results in longer shadows and shorter days, culminating in the longest night of the year. A stark contrast emerges when compared to the summer solstice, where the same hemisphere basks in the most extended daylight hours.