Muscat – The winter solstice, marking the official start of winter in the northern hemisphere, is set to occur on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
According to astronomical data, the phenomenon will take place at precisely 1:21 pm Oman time, making Saturday the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
The winter solstice typically falls between December 21 and 22 annually in the northern hemisphere.
This event heralds the beginning of winter, while the summer solstice, occurring between June 21 and 22 each year, signals the start of summer.
The solstice is a celestial event caused by the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees.
During the winter solstice, the Earth's tilt positions the northern hemisphere at its furthest point from the Sun, resulting in minimal direct sunlight.
Conversely, the southern hemisphere experiences its summer solstice and enjoys its longest day of the year.
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