PESHAWAR: Pakistan observes its shortest day and longest night today as the winter solstice arrives, marking the peak of winter across the Northern Hemisphere, including major cities nationwide.
Pakistan, along with the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, is observing the shortest day and longest night of the year today, December 21, due to the winter solstice, an important astronomical event.
Experts explain that the phenomenon, known astronomically as the winter solstice, occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the sun.
As a result, the duration of sunlight decreases, making the day shorter and the night longer.
In Pakistan, particularly in Lahore and surrounding areas, daylight will last for approximately 10 hours and 10 minutes, while the night will extend to about 13 hours and 50 minutes.
Slight variations of a few minutes may be observed in other cities across the country.
December 21 marks the day with the least amount of daylight and the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
Astronomers note that following today, daylight hours will begin to increase gradually, with the sun remaining visible in the sky for longer periods each day.
Due to its astronomical and climatic significance, December 21 is regarded as an important day worldwide.
The event offers not only scientists but also the general public an opportunity to better understand celestial phenomena and seasonal changes.
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