Winter Solstice 2024 Marks Longest Night and Shortest Day of the Year

The astronomical event occurs on December 21, signaling the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and holding cultural and historical significance worldwide.

• The winter solstice will occur on December 21, 2024, at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
• This phenomenon happens when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, with the Sun's rays directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.
• The solstice has been celebrated for centuries across cultures, symbolizing renewal and the gradual return of longer days and increased sunlight.
• Significant historical monuments, such as Stonehenge, are aligned with the solstice, reflecting its importance to ancient civilizations.
• Modern traditions include cultural celebrations like Japan's yuzu baths, Iran's Shab-e Yalda, and Scandinavian St. Lucia Day, emphasizing food, family, and reflection.

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