After the Winter Solstice (Dec. 20–23), days become longer and nights become shorter until the Summer Solstice (June 20–22).
On the winter solstice the night lasts about 14 and a half hours in Athens.
At the summer solstice, sunlight is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.44° north latitude) and is tilted 23.44° relative to Earth’s equator.
At the winter solstice, sunlight is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.44° south latitude) and is tilted 23.44° relative to Earth’s equatorial plane.
On the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere has the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
On the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere has the longest night and the shortest day of the year.
The summer solstice—typically June 20–21—occurs when the Sun reaches its northernmost position (declination +23.44°).
The winter solstice—typically December 21–22—occurs when the Sun reaches its southernmost position (declination −23.44°).
Many cultures mark the winter solstice with festivals of light.
