EarthSky News - Dec 18 - Solstice Coming Up

December 18 Solstice Coming Up by:

Solstice coming up December 21 High summer for the Southern Hemisphere. For the Northern Hemisphere, the return of more sunlight!  December solstice starts shortest season The shortest season - between the December solstice and March equinox - is about 89 days. The longest season - June solstice to September equinox - is about 94 days. Slowest sunsets around solstices Here's a natural phenomenon you might never have imagined. That is, the sun actually sets more slowly around the time of a solstice.   Start watching for Ursid meteors  The Ursid meteor shower is active each year around the December solstice. Peak probably the morning of December 22, but you might catch a few Ursids throughout this week, too. Today is new moon Today's moon will cross the sky with the sun during the day.

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? An EarthSky lunar calendar is sure to delight. Or give the gift that gives back! Check out the new colors and designs of our EarthSky Cares Tees. A percentage of proceeds collected will be donated to select organizations.

Solstice coming up December 21 Earth has seasons because our world is tilted on its axis with respect to our orbit around the sun. Image via NASA.

Slowest sunsets around solstices Peter Lowenstein in Mutare, Zimbabwe captured this beautiful sunset on December 16, a few days before the December solstice - his summer solstice. Submit your photo to EarthSky here!

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