The Winter Solstice has arrived, with the shortest day today and longest night of the year this evening.
The day, December 21, marks the start of winter. Yep, despite the freezing conditions in recent days and weeks, the season is only just getting started.
What's more, the longest night of the year will also provide a great opportunity for star gazers. On the night of December 21, meteors may be spotted zipping through the sky above Edinburgh. Whether you are into astronomy or just looking for something a wee bit magical in the run up to Christmas, the annual Ursid meteor shower is certainly something worth watching out for. You might be lucky enough to spot up to 10 meteors an hours during the shower's peak if the conditions are right - the skies are clear with no clouds blocking the view.
READ MORE: Edinburgh weather forecast and likelihood of snow this weekend for Christmas
But what is the Winter Solstice and when can you spot the special Christmas shooting stars? Here is everything you need to know.
When is the Winter Solstice?
This year's Winter Solstice is today, December 21.
It is the shortest day or the year and also the longest night because the Earth has turned on its axis so that the north pole tilts away from the sun.
This means that the Northern Hemisphere is further away from the sun, facing it less, which in turn results in less day light and longer nights.
The Winter Solstice marks the first day of winter, according to the astronomical calendar.
When does winter start and end?
As explained above, the astronomical calendar states that winter starts on December 21 this year. The season will then end of March 20, 2023 - it is a long winter ahead folks!
The National Centers for Environmental Information reports that the calendar is based on the natural rotation of the Earth around the sun.
Here are winter start and end dates for the years ahead...
| Year | Winter Starts | Winter Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2022 | Wednesday, 21 December 2022 | Monday, 20 March 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Friday, 22 December 2023 | Wednesday, 20 March 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Saturday, 21 December 2024 | Thursday, 20 March 2025 |
| Winter 2025 | Sunday, 21 December 2025 | Friday, 20 March 2026 |
Ursid meteor shower: When is it and how can I see it?
No equipment will be needed to cast your eyes on the Ursid meteor shower this evening. The shooting stars will be visible to the naked eye - if conditions allow and the sky is clear.
The "shooting stars" will light up the sky, with the brightness created by "glowing hot air" as space rock "zips through the atmosphere", according to NASA.
The RMG describes the annual shower as: "Meteors are debris that enters our planet’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per second, vaporising and causing the streaks of light we call meteors."
To see the meteor shower they say: "For the best conditions, you want to find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution. The meteors can be seen in all parts of the sky, so it’s good to be in a wide open space where you can scan the night sky with your eyes.
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