Solstice on December 22, 2019

The December solstice is the first day of astronomical winter and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Those who live here can take a little comfort in the fact that here summer is longer than winter, and the days will slowly start getting longer. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.

Annular Solar Eclipse on December 26

A distinctive ring of fire appears in the sky at the maximum stage of an annular solar eclipse. On December 26, the solar eclipse starts in Saudi Arabia, moves across southern India, and ends up in the Pacific outside of the Philippines. While only the people within the path of annularity will see the ring of fire, billions of people across southern Asia can see a partial solar eclipse, weather permitting, of course.

Check out our maps of the eclipse path along with local start and end times, animations, and more. If you are lucky enough to be in any of these places, make sure you protect your eyes!