On December 21, 2023, at 10:27 p.m. EST, the sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the solstice.

This event signifies the start of winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere.

It's all due to Earth's 23.5-degree tilt, which affects how sunlight reaches different parts of the planet.

During this solstice, the northern hemisphere has its shortest day and the southern hemisphere its longest.

The solstice is when the sun appears to pause in its path, hence the name "solstice."

Days in the northern hemisphere will now get longer until the March equinox.

In June, the roles reverse, leading to summer in the north and winter in the south.

The solstice also affects sunrise and sunset points, with extreme positions.

To celebrate, watch the sunrise or stargaze on the solstice, or note upcoming solstices and equinoxes in 2024.