When you think about Winter, you probably think about the coldest months of the year; December, January, and February. When you think about Winter like this, you're thinking about Meteorological Winter or Winter based on the study of weather (Meteorology)!
But did you know that there's another way to track the changing seasons and that's using Astronomy (the study of space)?
The Astronomical Seasons are based on the rotation of Earth around the Sun and the Astronomical change from Fall to Winter is called the Winter Solstice!
For the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice marks the time when the path of the Sun in the sky is farthest south. During the Winter Solstice the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year!
This year, December 21st is the Winter Solstice!
To learn more about the Winter Solstice and how it has been celebrated throughout time and around the world, make sure to check out:
Written by Susan Cooper & Illustrated by Carson Ellis
Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before-- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future.
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Written by Wendy Pfeffer & Illustrated by Jesse Reisch
Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history. Includes activities.
Want more facts about Winter, Winter Weather, and Winter Animals? These Non-Fiction titles have got it all!
Tired of the cold, hard facts but can't get enough of winter wonderlands? This sweet selection of stories is just what you need!
Board Books:
Picture Books:
Sources: NOAA, Farmer's Almanac, Brittanica