This day is scientifically known as the “winter solstice,” when the sun reaches its lowest height in the winter sky, specifically at a latitude of 23.5 degrees south of the equator. As a result, residents of Moscow will experience a very short day, lasting only 6 hours, 59 minutes, and 51 seconds.
Koshman added that the length of the day has been gradually decreasing since the beginning of December, when it was 7 hours and 27 minutes. However, it will begin to increase immediately after December 21, reaching 7 hours and 5 minutes by the end of the month.
This increase will continue until June 21, 2026, which is the date of the “summer solstice” and the longest day of the year, when the length of the day will reach 17 hours and 33 minutes. Thus, the astronomical cycle will return to equilibrium, and a longer period of light will begin.
