This weekend marks the arrival of the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice officially begins Saturday night at 10:27.
The solstice happens when Earth’s tilt places the North Pole at its farthest point away from the sun. For those of us in Mountain Home and across the region, Saturday will bring just over nine hours and 30 minutes of daylight. After that, the days will gradually begin to grow longer as we head toward spring.
Many cultures around the world celebrate the solstice as a symbol of renewal and the return of the light. Traditions range from festivals and feasts to candlelight ceremonies and outdoor gatherings.
For skywatchers, this year’s solstice coincides with a waxing crescent moon, providing a perfect backdrop for stargazing.
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