The days are getting colder and shorter which means the winter solstice is fast approaching or what you probably know as the “shortest day of the year.” The Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice is set to occur this week, marking the 24 hours with the fewest daylight hours of the year. The good news is that from here on out, the days will only get longer so that’s something to look forward to. Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s solstice in Sydney.
What exactly is the winter solstice?
The word solstice is derived from the Latin word sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) and marks the official beginning of a new season. Two solstices occur annually, once in the northern hemisphere and once in the southern hemisphere. These are the days when the Sun’s path in the sky is the farthest north or south from the Equator. Following this, the days will gradually get longer in Australia and across the southern hemisphere as the earth continues to move closer to the sun until the summer solstice which occurs in December.
When is the winter solstice in Sydney?
The winter solstice in Sydney and Australia happens between June 21 and 23 every year. It will take place on June 21 which is a Friday this year. According to Time and Date, you will be able to see the winter solstice sunrise in Sydney at 6.50am on June 21.
Events around Sydney
A lot is going on around Sydney to mark the changing seasons. Head to Camperdown Commons for a winter solstice festival and enjoy hot food, farm tours, live entertainment workshops and more on June 22 from 12pm to 6pm. Haus of Horror is marking the day with an exclusive screening of The Ring when the sun goes down with immersive photo booths, themed cocktails and live music on June 22 from 5pm to 9pm. Other events around town include an exclusive event at Elizabeth Bay House where you can learn more about the astronomical event and a cosy winter solstice market in Castle Hill.