Today, December 21, the Northern Hemisphere experienced its shortest day of the year—known as the Winter Solstice. This annual astronomical event occurs when the Earth’s north pole tilts farthest away from the Sun, causing reduced daylight hours. While it’s the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere celebrates its longest day, or Summer Solstice.

BulletsIn

• Winter Solstice marks year’s shortest day in Northern Hemisphere
• Observed every year on December 21 or 22
• Happens when Earth’s north pole tilts away from the Sun
• Today’s solstice occurred around 09:28 PM IST
• Sunrise estimated at 7:10 AM, sunset at 5:29 PM
• Southern Hemisphere sees longest day today
• Countries like India, US, UK, Russia, China, Canada observe it
• Causes colder weather and longer nights in the north
• Sun appears at lowest point in the sky during the day
• Ancient cultures celebrated solstice as a time of rebirth