Winter solstice

The moon is pictured t right with Jupiter seen at left on Thursday, Dec. 21. This year’s winter solstice occurred on December 21, giving us the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice occurs with Earth’s north pole is farthest from the sun because of its maximum tilt. Simultaneously, it’s also the southern hemisphere’s summer solstice, offering them the longest days and shortest night. The northern hemisphere’s summer solstice will occur on June 20, 2024. Bob Sofaly/The Island News