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News Articles: winter solstice

On Yalda night, the Iranian winter solstice tradition, observers gather with family and read classic poetry aloud to greet the returning sun.

It's the winter solstice. Here are 5 ways people celebrate the return of light

Winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and it falls at exactly 10:27 p.m. ET on Thursday in the Northern Hemisphere. Here are five ways it's celebrated around the world.

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By:
  • Diba Mohtasham
This photo taken late December 14, 2018 with a long time exposure shows a meteor streaking through the night sky over Myanmar during the Geminid meteor shower seen from Wundwin township near Mandalay city.

Your guide to Wednesday's Geminid meteor shower

One of the best and most reliable meteor showers of the year peaks Wednesday night and Thursday morning. And with the moon only a sliver full, viewing conditions should be close to ideal.

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By:
  • Diba Mohtasham
A car slowly travels down a road after a second round of snow passed through northern Minnesota Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Duluth, Minn.

The first day of winter arrives this week, marked by the solstice

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, and happens when the Northern Hemisphere is pointing away from the sun.

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By:
  • Ayana Archie
People walk their dogs along a narrow road as the first winter frost blankets the fields in Oudeland van Strijen in the Netherlands on Tuesday. It's the shortest day of the year and official start of winter.

It's the shortest day of the year. Things can only get brighter from here

Tuesday is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. That means from now till June, each day will be a little bit longer — and brighter. Here are some ways you can celebrate the season.

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By:
  • Rachel Treisman