As the winter solstice approaches on December 21st, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the shortest day and longest night of the year. This natural phenomenon has captivated people for centuries, with ancient traditions and festivals taking place around the world. Through science, we can understand why this occurs and how it affects different regions of the world differently.
Every year, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the arrival of winter on the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night due to the Earth's tilt on its axis. As the North Pole is furthest from the sun, it receives the least amount of sunlight, resulting in a gradual lengthening of days towards the arrival of spring. This year, the winter solstice falls on December 21 and will be celebrated by people worldwide in various ways to mark the significant celestial event.
NASA has released stunning new images of two nearby star clusters that resemble a wreath and a Christmas tree. These clusters, known as NGC 602 and NGC 2264, are located in the Small Magellanic Cloud and are made up of young stars. The images were created by combining data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope. As we celebrate the winter solstice, take a moment to marvel at these cosmic Christmas decorations.
As we welcome the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon, here are some things to keep in mind: The Lunar New Year will arrive on February 10, marking the start of the second new moon after the winter solstice. This celebration has been around for thousands of years and promises to bring power, strength, and success. And while there may be some skepticism about horoscopes, it's best to acknowledge the Year of the Dragon in order to avoid any unexpected appearances of pterosaurs or other "terror dragons" in our modern world.
Makar Sankranti, a prominent festival on the Indian calendar, marks the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Devotees make offerings to the Hindu deity Surya and celebrate with family and friends, enjoying delicious dishes like sesame seed and jaggery ladoos, khichdi, and patishapta. The festival is also a time for farmers to harvest their crops and is celebrated with various names across India, including Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi.