As an expert in astronomy and the study of celestial movements, I can provide you with a detailed explanation about the day with the least amount of daylight.

The day with the least amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere is known as the winter solstice. This astronomical event occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun relative to its position in its orbit. The winter solstice is a significant point in the year, as it marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year for those of us residing in the Northern Hemisphere.

On the winter solstice, the sun is positioned directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is at a latitude of approximately 23.5 degrees south. This positioning means that the sun's rays are at their most oblique angle relative to the Earth's surface in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in the shortest period of daylight. The exact date and time of the winter solstice can vary slightly from year to year, but it typically occurs around December 21st or 22nd.

For example, as you mentioned, on December 21, 2013, at 12:11 p.m. EST, the sun was directly overhead along the Tropic of Capricorn. This is the moment when the Northern Hemisphere experienced the shortest day of the year. The winter solstice is not only an astronomical event but also holds cultural significance in many societies, often celebrated with various festivals and traditions that mark the return of longer days and the gradual shift towards spring.

Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is quite the opposite. During the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its summer solstice, which is the day with the most daylight hours of the year. This occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, at a latitude of approximately 23.5 degrees north.

It's also important to note that the amount of daylight one experiences can vary depending on geographical location. Places closer to the poles will have more pronounced differences in daylight hours between the winter and summer solstices compared to locations closer to the equator.

In summary, the winter solstice is the day with the least amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, and it occurs due to the Earth's axial tilt and its position in orbit around the sun. This event is marked by the shortest day and longest night of the year and is a significant time in both astronomical observations and cultural celebrations.

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This Saturday is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking our shortest daylight period and longest night of the year. At 12:11 p.m. EST on December 21, the sun appears directly overhead along the Tropic of Capricorn, at 23.5 degrees south latitude.Dec 20, 2013read more >>