What is the winter solstice and when does 2023 start in Spain?

he Winter solsticeThis magical moment of the year that coincides with the beginning of winter is an astronomical event of great cultural importance. In the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in Spain, this phenomenon occurs around December 21, although it has no specific date.

In 2023, winter will begin On December 22 at 4:27 AMAccording to the National Astronomical Observatory. At this time, the sun crosses the Tropic of Capricorn south of the celestial equator, marking the shortest day of the year and the transition from autumn to winter.

Solstice vs Equinox: Key Differences

The difference between the solstice and the equinox lies in their astrological essence. While the solstice (winter and summer) is characterized by the moment at which the Sun reaches maximum or minimum angular deviation relative to the Earth’s equator, the equinoxes (spring and autumn) occur when the Sun lies exactly above the equator, resulting in days and nights of identical length. almost.

On the winter solstice, the Sun reaches its southernmost declination (-23° 27′), which explains why this happens. The shortest day of the year In the northern hemisphere.

The beginning of winter and the difference in sunlight

The winter solstice, besides being merely a calendar mark of the beginning of winter, marks a turning point in the dynamic relationship between the Earth and the Sun. This event, which occurs around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, brings with it a significant and tangible change in the length of the day, which has profound effects both in the astronomical field and in our daily lives.

During the winter solstice, Earth’s north pole is tilted away from the sunThis results in the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun, as seen from Earth, appears at its lowest point in the sky at noon. This lowest point coincides with the maximum southern deflection of the Sun on the celestial sphere.

Starting from the winter solstice, The Earth’s tilt begins to change relative to its position in its orbit around the Sun. As the Earth continues its elliptical orbit, the Northern Hemisphere begins to gradually tilt toward the Sun, resulting in a gradual increase in the length of the day and a corresponding decrease in the length of the night.

This cambio is no es sudden and gradual, and sometimes the day of the day comes with a new message, and the day is a different time, the maximum duration of the day comes, as the pole north is inclinado more quickly. sun.

Annual fluctuations and their impact on daily life

The start of winter can vary between 20 and 23 December, although in the 21st century it usually occurs between the 20th and 22nd. This variation is due to the interaction between the calendar (with leap and non-leap years) and the length of the school term. Earth’s orbit around the sun.

And also during the winter solstice. Spain experiences average temperatures of around 8°C It is the rainiest season in many areas, which greatly affects the activities and daily lives of its residents.

This constant cycle of differences in the length of day and night is a stunning manifestation of our planet’s natural rhythms and has a major impact on the environment and living organisms. It affects the behavioral patterns of many species, including bird migration, animals’ hibernation habits, and plant growth cycles.

For humans, this gradual change in day length affects activities such as agriculture and energy, and also has psychological effects. Influencing mood and circadian rhythms.

The winter solstice is not only an astronomical event, but also a cultural and social event that determines the rhythm of our lives. Loaded with meaning and beauty, this phenomenon reminds us of the wonderful simultaneity of the universe and our place in it. As the days begin to lengthen, we prepare to embrace the changes and challenges that each new season brings with it.