Glitter and sparkle

Hooray. Today is the shortest day. Here in the northern hemisphere, the days start getting longer from tomorrow. But first, at 22:03 GMT tonight, we will pass through the astronomical phenomenon known as the winter solstice. It marks the moment when the North Pole is tilted furthest from the sun as the Earth continues on its orbit.

I have always thought that the winter solstice always occurs on December 21st, and at the same time of day, but apparently not. Some years it occurs in the early hours of December 22nd, which will happen in 2015 at 04.38 GMT. In 2013 it was on the 21st at 17:11 GMT.

So after tonight, the days will begin lengthening as we head towards and past Christmas. Now that's something to add glitter and sparkle to the festive season!