The winter solstice will happen for us at 8:49 P.M. today!
win·ter sol·stice
noun
- the solstice that marks the onset of winter, at the time of the shortest day, about December 22 in the northern hemisphere and June 21 in the southern hemisphere.
In the Northern Hemisphere, winter is the coldest season of the year. It begins about December 21 and lasts until about March 21. Around December 21 or 22, the sun's rays fall directly over the farthest point south of the equator. This marks the first day of winter.
Winter days have fewer hours of daylight because of the path the earth takes as it revolves around the sun. The earth completely revolves around the sun during 365 days. The earth's axis always tips about 23 1/2 degrees from a line perpendicular to its path.
In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins in June.
Different regions have longer winters than others. For example, in the polar regions, winter takes up half the year. In the Temperate Zones winter takes up about one quarter of the year.
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In regions where there is cold weather, it causes many changes in the environment. Water may freeze and become ice, snow, sleet or icicles. Sometimes it gets so cold, boiling water will vaporize!
(Thanks Mrs. Rose from Ontario, Canada, who created this Vine two Decembers ago!)
Most plants and animals become dormant and rest. Some animals hibernate. The only plants that grow and remain green are evergreens. People protect themselves from the cold climate with winter clothing when they go outdoors. They enjoy a variety of indoor activities or outdoor winter sports such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
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Here are some fun winter links!
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What do you enjoy most about winter?
What activities will you be participating in this winter break?
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