Winter solstice is the day the Northern Hemisphere tilts furthest from the sun. Many places in Alaska see less than 6 hours of daylight on winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. After December 21, Alaska will slowly start to gain more daylight every day.
Although the solstice marks the shortest day and longest night, it’s not usually the coldest day of the year. Even as daylight increases over the coming weeks, the Earth’s surface in the Northern Hemisphere continues to lose heat more than it gains from the sun. During the first half of the month of January is often when the coldest day of the year will pass. After mid to late January the surface of the Earth begins to receive and retain more heat and the days gradually become warmer.
Celebrating Solstice
Across Alaska, many people celebrate the solstice by being outdoors. Whether to catch the sunrise or the sunset, or both, some people enjoy a brisk hike to enjoy a mountaintop view of the change in seasons. Others celebrate by baking homemade goods and appreciating the shorter daylight hours from the warmth of their homes.
Many cultures around the globe observe and celebrate the winter solstice in a variety of ways. An infamous solstice celebration usually assembles at the ancient Stonehenge ruins in Wiltshire, England, where druids, pagans and other revelers gather each year to celebrate the event. This year, however, the English Heritage asks people not to visit the site in person and to instead visit virtually. The winter solstice sunrise will instead be live-streamed from the stones the morning of December 21.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: “Shortest Day, Longest Night: The Winter Solstice Is Monday” by USA Today | Photo
