Prince Frederick, MD – The often-dreaded Winter Solstice officially arrived at 2:44 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. While it is the “shortest day of the year” from a positive standpoint the days get longer. The lengthier hours of daylight trend continues until June 21.
Earlier this week Seattle Times writer Christine Clarridge wrote about “What you need to know about Winter Solstice.” Clarridge noted the solstice is “more pronounced in higher latitude cities like Seattle and Anchorage.” The latter city, Alaska’s largest, “had five hours and 27 minutes of daylight during the 2015 Winter Solstice,” according to Clarridge. In Miami, FL, residents and visits will only enjoy 10-and-a-half hours of daylight.
Clarridge said the word “solstice” means “sun stand.” During the December 21 Winter Solstice the sun reaches its lowest point in the Northern Hemisphere.
So we should all just stay indoors and wait until it’s over? You could do that but many are using the occasion as a reason to celebrate. Clarridge reported that in Seattle and candlelight ceremony will be held at the Seattle Chinese Garden. A web site called Refinery 29 recommends pulling back the curtains and “let light in,” “take a break from booze” and “get together for a group meal” as some of the ways to thwart the darkness of the day.
If your house is decorated with Christmas lights, the Winter Solstice gives you an opportunity to run them longer.
East of Seattle and Anchorage, north of Miami, here in Prince Frederick, MD the sun is expected to rise at 7:21 a.m. and set at 4:49 p.m.
Enjoy the daylight and remember, longer days are ahead!
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com