Community Corner

Saturday Was the Shortest Day of the Year!

With the days getting longer now, it's an easy, downhill glide toward spring.

Does it seem like the days are just getting shorter and shorter? Well, they have been. But that's all about to change on Sunday.

The shortest day of the year was Saturday, Dec. 21. Also known as the longest night, or winter solstice, it marks the point in earth’s orbit when the North Pole tilts furthest from the sun. It’s when the sun appears to stop moving south and begin moving north. 

This article from Space.com offers a more complete explanation of the astronomy behind the solstice.

Various winter solstice events take their inspiration from ancient times. For thousands of years, the winter solstice has played a significant role in religion, spirituality and celebrations. Not only is the winter solstice seen as a time to celebrate the return of light (sun), it is also considered a time of great personal reflection. 

Winter Solstice Trivia:

  • The word solstice comes from two Latin words meaning, "sun" and "to stop.”
  • The "Solstice" happens at a specific time. This year, it was at 11:11 a.m. Central time.
  • On Dec. 21, we will have just 9 hours and 32 minutes of daylight.
  • Dec. 21 is also the first official day of winter—appropriate since the area is being hit with a winter freezy/sleety/icy/snowy event over the next few days. (Doesn't it feel like it's been winter for a month or two?)
  • Remember last year's winter solstice? On 12/21/12? Everyone thought the world was coming to an end. Well, that didn't happen.
  • A noontime shadow around the solstice is the longest shadow of the year. (With the clouds and rain Saturday, it was difficult to test that one out.)
  • In ancient Rome, the winter solstice was celebrated with a festival called Saturnalia, in honor of the deity Saturn.
  • The Christmas celebration of Jesus Christ as the birth of the "light of the world" coincides with the metaphorical, annual "rebirth of the sun." Coincidence? We'll leave that up to you to ponder.


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