Winter Is Coming, and This Is How We Know

By
John Schaefer, Soundcheck
WNYC News | Dec 21, 2015

Every year, WNYC broadcasts the Winter Solstice concert put on by sax player and environmental activist Paul Winter, his ensemble, and musical guests from around the world.  It’s a musical journey through the longest night of the year, at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. 

This year’s broadcast occurs during the exact moment of the Winter Solstice — this year, at 11:49pm in the Eastern time zone. 

But what does the term “winter solstice” actually mean? And what is happening in the skies?

It all comes down to one number: 23.5.

Profile Image
John Schaefer, Soundcheck

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Mamdani says NYC will investigate every tenant heat complaint starting this October

It's a change from city policy that allowed the city to close out thousands of complaints without looking into them further, if multiple came from one building.
Gothamist |

How Extinction Entered the AI Debate

And human debaters face-off with chatbots
On the Media |

What's in Your Storage Locker?

David Owen, staff writer at The New Yorker, talks about the business of storage lockers and why so many Americans have them.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Malcolm Gladwell on “The American Way of Killing.” Plus, Grandmaster Flash on “Birth of a Culture”

The New Yorker staff writer believes that under-policing is at the root of our problem. Plus, the groundbreaking d.j. on the turntable innovations that led to hip-hop.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |
YOU ARE ONLINE