The Omani Astronomical Society has detailed that this year's winter solstice phenomenon is set to occur on Friday, December 22, 2023, marking the astronomical commencement of winter in the northern hemisphere. The event is scheduled for 7:27 am Sultanate of Oman time, making it the longest night of 2023.

Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Mahrooqi, Vice President of the Omani Astronomical Society, explained that December 22, 2023, is characterized by its short day and longest night, with the sun rising in Muscat at 6:45 am and setting at 5:25 pm MCT. The day's duration will reach 10 hours, 40 minutes, and 46 seconds, representing the first day of winter, which spans 88 days, 23 hours, and 39 minutes.

Al-Mahrooqi clarified that the winter solstice results from the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. The Earth, tilted at approximately 23 and a half degrees during its rotation around the sun, causes the northern and southern hemispheres to exchange places in receiving sunlight, rather than the Earth's proximity to the sun.

He emphasized that not all locations worldwide experience sunrise and sunset on the day of the winter solstice, particularly north of the Polar Circle where the sun remains below the horizon all day. Similarly, in the Antarctic Circle, there is neither sunrise nor sunset, leading to the phenomenon known as the midnight Sun.

During the winter solstice, the sunrise from the far southeast and the low apparent path of the Sun are notable, characterized by shadows of objects at their maximum length throughout the year. Al-Mahrooqi pointed out that this phenomenon follows the autumnal equinox observed in September, as the sun's movement continues.

He highlighted the Earth's two movements: its daily rotation around its axis, resulting in day and night alternation, and its annual orbit around the sun, causing the four astronomical seasons to alternate.

Al-Mahrooqi concluded by emphasizing that solstices and equinoxes are not necessarily linked to temperatures. Astronomically, the winter solstice signifies the sun's southernmost point in the sky, with the North Pole tilted away from the sun, leading to lower temperatures. Weather-specific changes, such as cold waves, are distinct from astronomical seasons.