Dec. 21 isn't just the "End of the World" based on the Mayan calendar but it also the Winter Solstice.
The Winter Solstice marks the official start at winter, and at 6:12 a.m. EST today saw the Earth's north pole tilt at its furthest point from the sun, giving the Northern Hemisphere their shortest day of the year.
"We know that the solstice is an astronomical event, caused by Earth's tilt on its axis, and its motion in orbit around the sun," reported Earthsky.org. "Because Earth doesn't orbit upright, but is instead tilted on its axis by 23-and-a-half degrees, Earth's Northern and Southern Hemispheres trade places in receiving the sun's light and warmth most directly. The tilt of the Earth - not our distance from the sun - is what causes winter and summer. At the December solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning most away from the sun for the year."
Events are taking place marking the occasion.
In New York City's Staten Island, the Winter Solstice Music Festival 2012 is taking place at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. The shortest day of the year will feature a range of music from choirs, opera, rock, and folk.
Meanwhile 3,000 miles away in California, San Francisco residents can celebrate with a bonfire in Muir Woods.
According to SFGate, over 100 people gathered to watch the last sunset of the fall season and celebrate the longest night of the year.
Over in China, the day falls among three important days in the year for family reunions.
According to China Daily, "As in all Chinese festivals, food plays an important part during the winter solstice, with customs varying from place to place. In the north, winter is all about fending off cold, and mutton and dumplings are eaten to dispel the chills and warm the body."
People have also gathered in Mexico, by Mayan landmarks to mark both occasions of the Winter Solstice and the end of the Mayan calendar.
For others, Dec. 21 is simply another Friday.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
