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Overview:

The December solstice, which occurs on December 21 this year, marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. On the December solstice, the Sun reaches its southernmost position in the sky, no matter where on Earth you happen to be.

The Sun's changing height in the sky throughout the year is caused by Earth's tilt as it orbits our local star.

Learn more in this month's episode of NASA's "What's Up" video series:

For more details and skywatching tips, visit NASA's Solar System Exploration website.

Education Resources:

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  Astronomy Activities for Students

  Explore our collection of student projects, slideshows, videos and more all about astronomy.

  Grades K-12

  Time Varies

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  Astronomy Lessons for Educators

  Explore our collection of standards-aligned STEM lessons all about astronomy and NASA missions to explore the stars.

  Grades K-12

  Time Varies

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  For Families

  Learning Space With NASA at Home

  Explore space and science activities students can do with NASA at home. Watch video tutorials for making rockets, Mars rovers, Moon landers, and more. Plus, find tips for learning at home!

Explore More:

• Article for Kids: What is a Solstice?
• Program: Night Sky Network
• Article for Kids: What is an Exoplanet?
• Website: NASA Exoplanet Exploration
• Posters & Coloring Pages: Exoplanet Travel Bureau
• Interactive: Eyes on Exoplanets

Events are based on visibility in the Northern Hemisphere. Dates and clock times are for the Pacific time zone unless otherwise noted.