Start of Astronomical Winter - 3:51 PM
The winter solstice (also called the December solstice) marks the astronomical start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when Earth's axial tilt positions the North Pole at its maximum inclination away from the Sun, placing the Sun directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S latitude). This delivers the year's shortest period of daylight and longest night in the north.
For North Georgia (including Nelson and nearby areas around 34°N latitude), the winter solstice in 2026 falls on Monday, December 21, with the exact moment at 3:50 p.m. EST (corresponding to 20:50 UTC).
Key effects at your location:
Shortest day of the year: Expect approximately 9 hours and 55–58 minutes of daylight (slightly varying by exact spot and minor atmospheric effects). For reference, in nearby Atlanta (similar latitude):
On or around December 21, sunrise is typically ~7:38 a.m. EST, sunset ~5:33 p.m. EST, for about 9 hours 55 minutes of daylight.
North Georgia locations see very similar values, often around 9 hours 54–57 minutes, making it noticeably shorter than summer's ~14+ hours.
Sun position: The Sun rises well south of due east and sets well south of due west (lowest noon altitude of the year, around 35–40° above the horizon at solar noon—much lower than summer's ~79–80° or equinox ~55–60°). Days feel dimmer and shadows are longer.
Why it matters here: At ~34°N, the contrast is significant but not extreme (unlike higher latitudes with very short days). Daylight has been shrinking since the June solstice (losing ~1–2 minutes per day near solstice time), bringing cooler/colder weather, potential for frost or occasional snow in the North Georgia mountains, bare trees, and holiday-season vibes. The low Sun angle contributes to shorter, chillier days and longer nights.
After the solstice, daylight begins its slow rebound—gaining a minute or two per day initially—as we head toward the spring equinox. It's the turning point: the "longest night" passes, and the Sun starts its northward climb back toward longer, warmer days. Bundle up, enjoy cozy evenings, and look forward to the gradual return of light!
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