What happens during solstice?
The winter solstice traditionally marks the middle of winter, but in some calendars it is seen as the beginning of winter.
The winter solstice marks several astronomical phenomena too! During the winter solstice, the Sun will rise and set further north than any other day in the year. The Sun also reaches its northern most point in the sky. The exact time of the winter solstice occurs when the sun reaches its lowest point in the northern sky. In 2023, the winter solstice will occur on the 21st of June at 10.57pm for people in Western Australia.
How does the solstice work?
For more info about how solstices work exactly, check out the post made by our friends over at Stargazers Club WA
When is the solstice this year?
The winter solstice will occur on the 21st of June this year for people in Western Australia, but for people in all other states the winter solstice occurs on the 22nd! That’s because the exact time of the solstice is at 10.57pm W.A. time, which means that the winter solstice in the eastern states is at 12.57am!
explore the dark
Make the most of Western Australia’s world class night skies