Winter Solstice

Winter solstice occurs today at 02:12AST. Today the Sun will occupy the most southerly position in the sky of the year. The term solstice comes from the latin terms Sol (the Sun) and sistere (to stand still). On this day the Sun seems to stand still as it stops moving southwards each day and begins move to the north. This is the first day of winter as marked by many cultures in the northern hemisphere.

2012 Solstices and Equinoxes
Perihelion Jan 5 03:59UT Jan 4 18:59AST
Spring Equinox Mar 20 05:14UT Mar 19 21:14AST
Summer Solstice Jun 20 23:09UT Jun 20 15:09ADT
Apehelion Jul 4 10:59UT Jul 4 15:59ADT
Fall Equinox Sep 22 14:49UT Sep 22 06:49ADT
Winter Solstice Dec 21 11:12UT Dec 21 02:12AST

Source: USNO Data Services Website and the NASA Sky Calendar

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About Andrew Cooper

An electrical engineer living and working on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i. Webmaster for the NordicQuest.com website. Sometimes the first mate/deckhand/launch driver/anchor detail/cook/dishwasher and mechanic aboard the Nordic Quest.
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