When: On December 22 at 4:48 UTC, the December Solstice or Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Why it’s important: It also heralds the official winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, and the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. At this point, the sun reaches its farthest point from the equator.
What it means: In Latin, the word solstice is derived from sol, which means, “sun” and sistere, which means to “stand still.”
What causes it: Solstice is an astronomical event mainly caused by the Earth’s tilt on its axis. During December, the Earth is positioned in a way that the sun stays below the North Pole, the farthest south as it ever gets. Countries below the equator experience this phenomenon with daylight of more than 12 hours, while locations above the equator experience daylight of less than 12 hours.
In the Philippines, on December 22 at exactly 12:48 AM (Philippine Standard Time PST), the Sun will reach its Winter Solstice. This will be the start of Philippine nights being longer than daytime.
According to PAGASA, the Northeast Monsoon will intensify a week before the New Year. This means that the cold breeze and longer nights will equate to the perfect mood for Christmas!
How will it affect the Philippines? Watch PanahonTV’s interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz to know more. Winter Solstice
sources:
http://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/index.php/28-astronomy/424-sky-this-month