Pakistan Experiences the ‘Longest’ Night of the Year Today

The winter solstice ushers in the longest night of the year as the Northern Hemisphere tilts furthest from the sun.

As winter deepens across Pakistan, the country is experiencing the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year today.

This astronomical phenomenon occurs annually between December 21 and 22, varying by region, and signals the shortest daylight hours and the longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere, including Pakistan.

According to a spokesperson from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt positions the Northern Hemisphere furthest from the sun, resulting in a reduced duration of daylight and extended nighttime.

The solstice is a reminder of Earth’s orbital dynamics, influencing the planet’s seasonal changes.

Following today’s solstice, the daylight hours will gradually increase, leading to longer days as the season progresses.

In about two months, the daylight duration is expected to extend by one hour, bringing more sunlight and boosting daily activities.

The winter solstice also signifies Earth’s complex relationship with the sun, impacting both natural ecosystems and human routines worldwide.

For the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice represents the moment when the northern half of Earth is farthest from the sun, causing the night to be the longest of the year, as explained by Al Jazeera.

The length of daylight varies across countries within the hemisphere. In London, for example, daylight will last just 7 hours and 49 minutes—over 8 hours shorter than the longest day of the year.

From today onwards, the Northern Hemisphere will gradually experience longer days leading up to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which falls between June 20 and 22.

Beyond its scientific significance, the winter solstice holds cultural meaning in many traditions.

Historically, people across different cultures have celebrated the event, often marking it as a time of renewal and rebirth.