Solstice News

The winter solstice is upon us, marking the first day of astronomical winter, the shortest day of the year and the longest night. For six months, the days have grown shorter and the nights longer in the Northern Hemisphere, but now it will reverse itself.

Summer officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere today (June 21), marking the longest day, the shortest night and the beginning of summer. In some regions, especially in Europe, this period of time is known as "Midsummer."

Sydney - Scientists based in Antarctica welcomed the winter solstice by plunging into icy waters Thursday as part of a "mad tradition" heralding the return of brighter days after weeks of darkness.In temperatures of -22 degrees Celsius (-7.

Conservationists have called for the closing of Stonehenge, the popular tourist attraction and monument that is several thousand years old, on the Summer and Winter solstice due to the damage caused by visitors on these days.

More than 2,000 people gathered at a snowy Stonehenge Wednesday morning to watch the sun rise as they celebrated the winter solstice .