HAVE you noticed how early it’s getting dark over the last few days? That’s because the shortest day of the year is almost upon us.
As we head through December, many of us will notice the lack of daylight, often meaning the Christmas tree lights must be switched on that little bit earlier each day.
Winter is certainly the time to make the most of cosy evenings with twinkling fairy lights and candles during the festive period, but when is the shortest day of 2024?
For those counting down the days until the longer hours of daylight return, let’s take a look.
@thewitchyroom #wintersolstice #stonehenge #bluerock #rockhugging #neolithic #solstice #longestnight #shortestday #sunstandsstill #pagan #wicca #celebratelight #yule ♬ original sound - The Witchy Room
When is the shortest day of 2024?
In 2024, the shortest day of the year is now only weeks away, taking place on Saturday, December 21.
On this date, there will be the fewest hours of daylight in the entire year as it’s when the winter solstice occurs.
“The actual moment of the solstice in 2024 will occur at 9.21am GMT in the UK, but most people concentrate on the whole solstice day, which has been recognised by holidays and festivals in many cultures around the world,” shares Royal Museums Greenwhich.
“The shortest day lasts 7 hours 49 minutes and 42 seconds in London. This means that the length of the day during the winter solstice is 8 hours, 49 minutes shorter than the summer solstice.”
Timelapse of the Northern Lights
Why do we have winter solstice?
With the winter solstice happening in the northern hemisphere on December 21, you might be wondering why it takes place.
Royal Museums Greenwhich explains: “The apparent position of the Sun in the sky changes throughout the year. During the summer months it rises higher in the sky and is above the horizon for longer. In the winter the Sun's position is lower and its time in the sky is shorter.
“This variation happens because the Earth orbits at an angle: it is tilted 23.4 degrees on its axis.
“During summer in the northern hemisphere the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, and therefore this part of the Earth receives more direct sunlight and longer daylight hours.
"During winter in the northern hemisphere the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in fewer daylight hours.”
The experts add: “The winter solstice occurs at the point when this tilt away is at its maximum and the Sun is lowest in the sky. This is what gives us the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
“If you're in the southern hemisphere the opposite is true: in December the South Pole is tilted towards the Sun, making it summertime 'Down Under'.”
