The winter solstice will fall in the early morning hours of Dec. 22, marking the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
The astronomical event also means it’ll be the longest day of the year for those who live south of the equator. The solstice starts at 4:48 a.m. UTC on Dec. 22 (which is 11:48 p.m. ET on Dec. 21), the moment when the Northern Hemisphere is pointed at its farthest distance from the sun.
READ MORE: 5 Things to Know About the Winter Solstice
During the solstice, those on the East Coast of the U.S. will only see nine hours and 15 minutes of daylight.
Christmas has become associated with winter solstice, which serves as a turning point in the year in many cultures.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Your Vote Is Safe
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- How the Electoral College Actually Works
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- Column: Fear and Hoping in Ohio
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Contact us at letters@time.com