Winter solstice
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the point when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the Sun in your hemisphere.
It occurs once a year, around 20 or 21 June in the southern hemisphere.
In the northern hemisphere, this same day is known as the summer solstice, as it's their longest day and shortest night.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, 21 June
🕓 Time: Approximately 22:42
At this time, the sun reaches its most northerly point in the sky relative to the southern hemisphere, and the region experiences its least daylight hours. The sun rises latest and sets earliest
Daylight is at its shortest – roughly 10 hours or less in many parts of South Africa
– roughly 10 hours or less in many parts of South Africa The sun appears at its lowest noon altitude in the sky
in the sky After this point, days gradually begin to lengthen, signaling the slow return toward summer Colder mornings and nights: This is usually the peak of South Africa's cold, dry winter , especially inland
This is usually the peak of South Africa's , especially inland Longer nights: Perfect for stargazing, since the skies are often clearer in winter
Perfect for stargazing, since the skies are often clearer in winter Cultural observances: Some Indigenous African communities and spiritual groups mark the solstice with seasonal rituals or ceremonial gatherings
Some Indigenous African communities and spiritual groups mark the solstice with or Agricultural relevance: Traditionally, it signaled the turning point for winter crops or preparation for spring planting In Cape Town , the sun will rise at 07:51 and set at 17:44 on the winter solstice
, the sun will rise at and set at on the winter solstice The term 'solstice' comes from Latin solstitium , meaning ' sun stands still ', referring to the apparent halt in the sun's movement before it reverses direction
, meaning ' ', referring to the apparent halt in the sun's movement before it reverses direction The June solstice marks the start of astronomical winter, though meteorological winter begins on 1 June Warm up with seasonal food : Winter solstice is a great time to cook hearty stews and enjoy hot beverages
: Winter solstice is a great time to cook hearty stews and enjoy hot beverages Reflect or set intentions : Many cultures treat the solstice as a time for introspection , planning, or renewal
: Many cultures treat the solstice as a time for , planning, or renewal Enjoy the stars: With longer nights and less cloud cover, it's an ideal time for observing constellations and planets
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Marine experts present shark net alternatives at uShaka exhibition
A current exhibition at uShaka Marine World is challenging long-held views on shark safety with innovative, non-lethal solutions aimed at protecting both people and marine life. Launched last month, 'Shark Smart: How Do We Keep Sharks & People Safe?' marked the first phase of a national awareness campaign hosted by conservation NGO Wildtrust, in partnership with Shark Conservation Fund, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research, SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws, the Sharks & People Working Group and others. The exhibition brought together government officials, scientists and ocean advocates to explore alternatives to traditional shark nets and drumlines, which have long been used along KZN's coastline. Wildtrust's director of campaigns and communications Lauren van Nijkerk emphasised the importance of innovation to reduce harm to marine life. 'We focused on presenting both existing shark risk mitigation methods and potential non-lethal alternatives in engaging, educational and interactive ways.' Among the showcased technologies are sonar systems, artificial intelligence software, drones and the SharkSafe Barrier, which mimics kelp forests and uses ceramic magnets to deter sharks. The exhibition signals a shift towards co-existence, urging South Africa to lead in marine conservation while ensuring beachgoer safety. As the country grapples with balancing ecological responsibility and public protection, 'Shark Smart' offers a hopeful blueprint for the future. Currently, 13km of nets and 177 drumlines span 37 beaches, but their environmental toll is steep. More than 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays and turtles, are killed annually as bycatch. Ballito's Specialised Rescue Unit commander Quentin Power acknowledged the controversy surrounding the shark nets noting the environmental toll they take on marine life. Also read: KZN shark net replacement claims identified as hoax 'Due to their effectiveness in limiting sharks to bathing areas, nets don't discriminate. They trap anything and everything,' said Power. Wildtrust's senior scientist Dr Jennifer Olbers called for legislative reform and leadership in conservation. 'Our laws are outdated. Shark populations globally are under pressure, and two species – the largetooth and green sawfish – have already been categorised as locally extinct,' she said. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
North Coast seal sightings prompt rabies caution
Authorities are warning beachgoers to avoid seals after rabies was confirmed in Cape fur seals for the first time in South Africa. On Friday, a fisherman reported a seal on the shore at Tinley Manor, while another was seen at Westbrook on Saturday. Two weeks earlier, a seal was sighted at a Ballito tidal pool. The sightings come amid concerns over a rabies outbreak affecting Cape fur seals, following an investigation into seal attacks on humans and dogs in Cape Town that began in 2021. The principal investigator and founder of the Sea Search Research Institute in Muizenberg, Dr Tess Gridley, said there is no evidence of rabies in other species but urged caution. 'Be very wary of any seals; give them a wide berth,' said Gridley. To date, 81 confirmed cases have been documented, with several carcasses testing positive for the deadly viral disease. According to Sea Search's research, it is unclear how rabies spreads in aquatic species or how many seals are affected. 'If you see any seals being aggressive or acting unusually, call the authorities immediately,' said Gridley. In 1980, one case of rabies was reported in a ringed seal in Norway, but this is reportedly the first known major outbreak of the disease among marine mammals in the world. Quentin Power, commander of Ballito's Specialised Rescue Unit, noted that seals are a common sight along the North Coast, with sightings documented at beaches between Westbrook and Zinkwazi. Power said the marine mammals chase the sardine migration from the Western Cape and sometimes remain before heading back. A seal was relocated from Tiffany's Beach in 2018, and a sub-Antarctic fur seal was rescued near Chaka's Rock in 2019. 'We have been documenting, rescuing and relocating seals for years,' said Power, who attributes the increase in sightings since 2010 to smartphones providing photographic evidence of locations.' The World Health Organisation states that rabies is primarily transmitted through saliva and affects the central nervous system. Symptoms include fever, pain and tingling, pricking or burning sensations at the wound site. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Perseid meteor shower 2025
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most famous annual sky shows, will peak this week. Caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids can usually deliver 50–100 meteors per hour. This year, however, an 84% illuminated waning gibbous moon will brighten the sky, reducing visible meteors to about 10–20 per hour. The good news? The brightest meteors and spectacular fireballs will still be visible. Yes, but with a twist. The Perseids are most active in the Northern Hemisphere, so South Africans will see fewer meteors. Still, if you're in a dark-sky location such as the Northern Cape, the Karoo, or rural areas, you'll have a decent shot. Look towards the northeast, where the meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. The peak night to view them is tonight, 13 August, from midnight to 05:00 or pre-dawn. Find a dark spot: Get far from streetlights and city glow. Face northeast: That's where meteors will appear to originate. Give your eyes time to adjust: 20–30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness. Be patient: Meteors often come in bursts; stick around for at least an hour. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
