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Smithsonian Science Education Center

Around December 21, the Northern Hemisphere tilts the farthest away from the Sun. This is called the northern winter solstice, and it is when we have the least amount of daylight of any time of the year.

What is the Winter Solstice?

Joseph Henry (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-BH824-4499)

Joseph Henry: The Father of Weather Forecasting (And the First Smithsonian Secretary!)

(moisseyev/iStock/Thinkstock)

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

How much do you know about water?

How Much Do You Know About Water?

A nocturnal Swallow-tailed Gull sneaks in an afternoon nap, purposefully placing its beak atop its back and under its feathers to rest its neck and stay warm. (Matthew Williams)

How Nature Keeps Cool and Handles the Heat

Starfish and other echinoderms are extremely important to the biodiversity of our oceans. (Image: Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Thinkstock)

All About Starfish

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