(KMOX) - For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, Saturday will mark the official astronomical start of winter, also known as the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year.
It occurs at the moment the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn, 10:19 pm CT, when the Northern Hemisphere will be tilted farthest away from the sun.
Just how much sunlight you actually get on Saturday will depend on where you are located but generally, most will get between eight and 10 hours of sunlight.
Here are a few facts about the official start of winter:- The date of the winter solstice varies from year to year and can fall anywhere between Dec. 20-23.
- The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year.
- Since the sun has been moving, farther and farther to the north pole, the sun hasn't risen in some very northern cities like Barrow, Alaska since mid-November and its next sunrise will be on Jan. 22.
- There are ancient cultural beliefs about the winter solstice being a time for death and rebirth.
- The megalithic monument in Wiltshire, England known as Stonehenge is oriented perfectly to the setting sun on the winter solstice. Thousands of enthusiasts gather there every year to celebrate the occasion.
- This is the second solstice of the year. The first is around June 21, when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere.
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