The year 2025 will witness the December solstice on Sunday, December 21. This event marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, coinciding with the onset of astronomical winter. At this time, the sun will rise late, stay low in the sky, and set early.
Key Details About the December Solstice 2025
- Date and Time: The solstice occurs at 10:03 a.m. EST on December 21, 2025.
- Daylight Duration: Many regions in North America will experience only eight to nine hours of daylight.
- Sun’s Position: The sun will follow its lowest solar arc of the year.
During this period, the Earth’s northern axial tilt will be at its maximum away from the sun. This results in the midday sun being directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which lies at 23.5 degrees south of the equator.
The Tropic of Capricorn Explained
The Tropic of Capricorn is significant as it represents the southernmost latitude where the sun can be seen directly overhead. This imaginary line runs through parts of South America, Africa, and Australia. Its name derives from the constellation that the sun occupied about 2,000 years ago during the winter solstice.
Astrological Context
Currently, during the December solstice, the sun is positioned in the constellation Sagittarius. Thus, while the line is historically named the Tropic of Capricorn, it may be more accurate to refer to it as the Tropic of Sagittarius in contemporary terms.
Conclusion
The December solstice is an important astronomical event that signals the shift towards longer days as winter progresses. As we prepare for this natural phenomenon on December 21, 2025, it serves as a reminder of the Earth’s fascinating relationship with the sun.
