The Science Behind the Winter Solstice

The first day of astronomical winter begins Wednesday at 5:44AM. If you recall back on December 1st, that was the first day of meteorological winter, which will continue though February 31st.

The Winter Solstice occurs because Earth is on a 23.5 degree tilt. Because of this tilt, the Earth has four different seasons. In our area where we live, we are lucky to actually experience and feel the differences between spring, summer, fall, and winter.

On the first day of winter, the sun's direct rays pass over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located south of the Equator. While the Northern Hemisphere experiences the first day of winter, the Southern Hemisphere actually begins summer, all because of the tilt of the Earth and the direction of the sun's rays. Now you know the science behind the winter solstice!

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