Fri Dec 19 12:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
Summary:
The article discusses the winter solstice, clarifying common misconceptions and highlighting interesting facts. While meteorologists consider December the start of winter, the astronomical winter solstice occurs on December 21st. Despite popular belief, the earliest sunset and latest sunrise do not occur on the solstice. The article explains the equation of time, which accounts for the discrepancy between sundial time and clock time, where the sun appears to move at varying speeds throughout the year. The solstice marks the shortest day and longest night. The article also mentions winter solstice celebrations around the world. The article mentions that the coldest temperatures typically arrive in late January and also mentions that the Earth is closer to the Sun during the winter solstice than during the summer solstice. Finally, the article offers stargazing tips (Orion constellation) and looks forward to signs of spring as early as February.
News Article:
Winter Solstice Arrives: Separating Fact from Fiction
BOSTON – As December arrives, bringing with it shorter days and cooler temperatures, many people are gearing up for winter. While meteorologists mark December 1st as the beginning of winter, the astronomical winter solstice will officially occur on December 21st. This year’s solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is surrounded by common misconceptions.
One prevalent myth is that the earliest sunset and latest sunrise coincide with the solstice. In Boston, the earliest sunset actually occurred on December 8th at 4:11 p.m., while the latest sunrise won’t be until around January 4th at 7:13 a.m.
The reason for this discrepancy lies in something called “the equation of time.” This accounts for the fact that the sun’s apparent movement across the sky isn’t consistent throughout the year. The sun sometimes moves faster and sometimes slower across the sky in a 24-hour day. Think of it as sundial time versus the actual clock we use.
The winter solstice has cultural and historical significance around the world, inspiring ancient rituals and celebrations. A local celebration can be found at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.
While the solstice might feel like the depths of winter, the coldest temperatures typically arrive later, around the third week of January. Interestingly, Earth is actually closest to the sun during the winter solstice due to the planet’s elliptical orbit. However, the angle of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere during this time is the primary driver of colder temperatures.
Stargazers can look forward to clear winter skies and the appearance of the Orion constellation in the early evening. For those longing for warmer weather, signs of spring, like increased daylight and birdsong, will start appearing as early as February.
First Piper 