Another lap around the sun, another solstice. Happy winter solstice, everybody!
I was recently surprised by this solstice trivia:
Question:
On what day of the year does the sun SET earliest?
Answer:
If you said "winter solstice" (as I would have), you'd be wrong! (As I usually am.)
Earliest sunset actually occurs about a week an a half before. Similarly, the latest sunRISE is not on the solstice; it actually happens in early January. But the
net shortest day is on the solstice.
Why? Has to do with the interaction of the tilt of the earth
plus the eccentricity of the Earth's orbit (closest to the sun in early January, the planet is traveling fastest in this part of its orbit). (e.g. see
Why doesn't the latest Sunrise happen at the Winter Solstice ? for info.)
Maybe this was common knowledge, but it blew
my mind!
