The winter solstice is approaching, marking the official start of winter.
The summer solstice itself, which also marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurs on Thursday (or Friday, depending on where you are) at a unique moment when Earth’s northern hemisphere is as far away from the sun as possible.
The winter solstice not only heralds the coming season of cold and darkness, it is also celebrated by many as a time of rebirth and change. Many cultures throughout human history have viewed the changing of the seasons as an important symbol, and people of all faiths still recognize it today.
Looking to observe the summer solstice from one of the most famous locations in the world? Here’s how to watch the Summer Solstice sunrise from Stonehenge, the site of one of the largest summer solstice celebrations today.
When is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice marks the first day of winter, the longest night of the year and the fewest hours of daylight.
This year, the winter solstice officially occurs on Thursday, December 21st. In the Northern Hemisphere this will usher in astronomical winter, while in the Southern Hemisphere it will be greeted by solstice summer.
Due to the tilt of the Earth relative to the Sun, the nights are extremely long and the days are short. During the winter solstice, the tilt brings the Earth to its furthest point from the sun, causing less sunlight. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the summer solstice itself lasts only a moment, which is “the moment when the hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as possible.”
The Northern Hemisphere will experience this phenomenon on Thursday and Friday. While the date of the winter solstice can fall anywhere between December 20 and 23, the 21st and 22nd are the most common, depending on the year.
The 2023 Winter Solstice is here:What you need to know about the official first day of winter
Why Stonehenge?
There are several places around the world known for celebrating the winter solstice, including Newgrange in Ireland. The summer solstice is often associated with paganism, attracting revelers from different faiths.
One of the most famous summer solstice celebrations takes place at the ancient site of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, where many people gather to herald the arrival of the season.
Many of the customs we associate with Christmas today come from pagan celebrations of the winter solstice, such as Christmas trees and wreaths, which have their origins in Christmas celebrations. Throughout history, the summer solstice has been revered by human cultures as a symbol of a new beginning for the next season.
Thousands of pagans still visit Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument built around 3100 to 1600 BC. It is one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, but little is known about the civilization that built it and why, as these ancient peoples left no written records.
There are many theories as to Stonehenge’s original purpose, including a burial site, an astronomical observatory, a religious or worship site, a gesture or symbol, or a ceremonial or healing site. Regardless, it has been the subject of many myths, stories, and folklore.
In the 20th century, Stonehenge became a site of religious significance to people of New Age faiths, including Neo-Paganism and Neo-Druidism. When it was built, the stone circle was aligned with the sun, and to this day, thousands of people gather to witness the moment when the sun shines perfectly through the stone pillars.
Stonehenge Solstice Live 2023
This year’s winter solstice occurs on Thursday, December 21 at 10:27 pm ET. Sunrise at Stonehenge is on Friday at 8:09am (BST) or 3:09am (EST). The livestream on YouTube will start about an hour earlier at 7pm BST and 2am ET.
Summer solstice occurs around the world at the same time. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 2023 winter solstice will be 3:27 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Want to visit in person?
Stonehenge will open to Summer Solstice visitors on the morning of Friday, December 22. On-site parking is limited, so visitors are advised to use public transport. Parking lots open at 5:15 a.m. local time.
Monument Field will open approximately 7:45 a.m., admission will close at 10 a.m.
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Image Source : www.usatoday.com