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Winter solstice
Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Diagram showing Earth's orbit around the Sun with labeled positions for the summer solstice, winter solstice, vernal equinox, and autumnal equinox, illustrating how Earth's tilt causes the seasons. Diagram showing Earth's orbit around the Sun with positions for the June solstice, when the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, and the December solstice, when the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn. The illustration labels the North Pole, South Pole, Equator, and Earth's orbital path, highlighting how the solstices relate to Earth's tilt and seasonal changes.
What is the significance of the winter solstice?
A large tree with leaves turning orange in fall.
What's the Difference Between Yule and Christmas?
A large crowd of people, many dressed in red and festive clothing, gather among the standing stones at Stonehenge to celebrate the winter solstice.
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Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.
All About Astronomy
Scenic landscape of apple tree on field with seasons changing from Summer to Winter, solstice
Quick Quiz: Winter Solstice
Iceland, Glacier lagoon (Jokulsarlon)
Winter Weather Words Quiz
Related Questions

Winter solstice: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 09, 2026
Modified link of Web site: PBS News - Here's why the winter solstice is significant in cultures across the world. Feb 11, 2026
Added a Top Questions section. Dec 08, 2025
Add new Web site: Digital Commons at Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School - Winter Solstice (PDF). Nov 27, 2025
Add new Web site: PBS News - Here's why the winter solstice is significant in cultures across the world. Dec 17, 2024
Add new Web site: CNN travel - Winter solstice: The shortest day and longest night of the year. Jun 20, 2024
Add new Web site: National Park Service - Winter Solstice. May 07, 2024
Media added. Dec 18, 2023
Add new Web site: Academia - Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World (PDF). Nov 16, 2023
Media added. Aug 15, 2023
Add new Web site: Royal Museums Greenwich - When is the winter solstice? May 15, 2023
Add new Web site: Space.com - When is the Winter Solstice and what happens? Jan 02, 2023
Media added. Jul 30, 2020
Add new Web site: National Space Centre - Winter Solstice � How Does It Work? Feb 09, 2018
Add new Web site: LiveScience - Winter solstice: The science behind the shortest day of the year. Jan 11, 2018
Added an image of the Sun's path throughout the year. Oct 11, 2017
Mentioned that the winter solstice has the longest night. Oct 11, 2017
Add new Web site: Wolfram Research - Winter Solstice. May 23, 2014
Add new Web site: Buzzle.com - When Does Winter Solstice Occur. May 23, 2014
New article added. Aug 12, 2011
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