DataViking

Today December 21, 2009 is the Winter Solstice, and occurs exactly when the earth’s is farthest away. It’s the shortest day of the year and the official start of the chilly season.

You may think Mr. Frost’s entrance already occurred, but not officially. The winter solstice, and thus the official start of the chilly season on the astronomical calendar, begins Monday.

More exactly, the winter solstice begins at 12:47 p.m. EST on Dec. 21

Here’s what’s behind the timing:

The Earth is tilted on its axis 23.5 degrees, so it leans one way as it spins around its axis while orbiting the sun. On Dec. 21, the top half of our planet (everything north of the equator) will face directly away from the sun, leaving the North Pole in complete darkness.

For more information visit Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice