Photograph by Matt Cardy, Getty Images
Shortening days and falling temperatures are heralding the arrival of winter across the Northern Hemisphere.
This year, the northern winter solstice falls on December 21 at 11:28 a.m. ET. The solstice happens at the same moment around the world, though its local time depends on which of the 24 times zones you call home. And south of the Equator, the December solstice marks the onset of summer.
For people in the north, is the year’s shortest day also the official beginning of winter? Why does the solstice occur anyway, and how have people observed it over the ages? Read on for everything you need to know about the December solstice.
For the full story, visit News.NationalGeographic.com.
