In many parts of the world, March 14th, the 14th day of the 3rd month, is celebrated as "Pi Day" every year.

PI DAY

This is because 3.14 is the first digits of Pi. Math enthusiasts around the world love to celebrate this infinite and never-ending number. Pi Day, which was first celebrated in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium by Larry SHAW, a famous physicist, was first celebrated in our country in 2007.

We Celebrated Pi Day With Our International Campers

Pi, named after the symbol π, the first letter of the Greek word for circumference, is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. No matter how big or small a circle is (from the size of our universe to the size of an atom or smaller), the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter is always equal to Pi.

Pi is usually rounded to 3.14 for simplicity, but its digits go on forever and do not have any repeating pattern.

Calculating the digits of Pi is one of the greatest joys of mathematicians. Until 1900, these calculations were done manually, but with the introduction of computers, it became a festival. In 2019, Emma Haruka Iwao, a Google developer in Osaka, Japan, set a world record by calculating the lower digits of the infinite number Pi to 31 trillion digits with the help of Google's cloud computing systems.

Since its discovery, Pi has been in our lives in many fields such as engineering, construction, GPS, simulation, radio, TV, telephone and energy production. Some historians are even debating whether Pi was used in the construction of the ancient Pyramids of Giza, as the structures are almost geometrically perfect.

Pi is also very important for space exploration. Let's take a look at some of its uses.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PI IN SPACE EXPLORATION

Scientists study the physical structure of planets and asteroids by determining their volume, density and mass using Pi.
Space explorers use Pi to search for exoplanets orbiting stars other than the Sun. Powerful ground- and space-based telescopes monitor how much light distant stars emit. When a planet passes in front of its star, the telescope sees a drop in the amount of light emitted. Scientists can determine the size of the planet using the percentage of this decrease and the formula for the area of a circle in Pi.
To put a spacecraft into orbit around a planet, the spacecraft must be slowed down by the planet's gravity just enough and at exactly the right time to be pulled into orbit. Engineers determine how much this gravity will pull the spacecraft, how fast the spacecraft goes and the details of the new orbit. Using these numbers together with Pi, they can calculate exactly how much they need to apply the brakes.
The Cassini spacecraft spent 13 years orbiting Saturn, observing the planet's majestic rings, moons and surface features. Twice during this mission, engineers used a technique called Pi transfer to change Cassini's orbit. Cassini's orbit was flipped 180 degrees to the opposite side of the planet in a directed pass. This allowed Cassini to see the planet and Titan in a whole new light.
While no two Mars landings are exactly the same, they all share one thing in common: parachutes. Just like the Perseverance spacecraft that landed on, the surface of Mars on February 18, 2021, the spacecraft must be slowed down for a soft landing on the Martian surface. When designing a parachute, engineers have to take into account all kinds of factors such as the mass of the spacecraft, its speed, and the height of the landing site. The number pi helps engineers determine the size of the parachute to create the drag needed to slow the spacecraft down.
Engineers use Pi to estimate the amount of uncertainty in the location where a Mars lander or rover will land. Landing on Mars is uncertain for many reasons, including winds, air density, the initial speed and position of the spacecraft as it approaches Mars from Earth. Prior to the Mars landing, many of these uncertainties can be modeled using mathematical distributions that include Pi in the calculations. When simulated together, the result is potentially kilometers of location uncertainty surrounding the intended landing spot. Engineers take this uncertainty into account and are careful where they aim, as was the case with the Perseverance rover that landed in the Jezero crater.
Engineers use Pi to communicate with spacecraft in the deep space network to send messages and process what is sent back. Sending and receiving messages to and from distant spacecraft requires a network of massive antennas placed around the world. Together, these antennas make up NASA's Deep Space Network, or DSN. Engineers communicating with the spacecraft through the DSN use Pi in the math equations needed to send messages and process the ones sent back.
The Mars rovers do not have joysticks or a steering wheel that can be used to steer them. Instead, the rovers receive commands from operators on Earth telling them when and how to move forward, take photos, turn their wheels and use their robotic arms. Some of these functions are measured in degrees and others in radians (circle slices), so Pi is regularly used to convert between the two.
When scientists discover new exoplanets, one of the most important things they want to know is whether these worlds can support life as we know it. A "potentially habitable" area is a location at a safe distance from the star, close enough for water to turn into gas and not so far away that water turns into ice. Scientists use Pi to find the inner and outer edges of the habitable zone around a given star. And they use Pi, together with Kepler's third law, to calculate how long it takes an exoplanet to reach the orbit of its star, thus revealing its position and whether it is in the habitable zone.
Pi is critical in calculating how much fuel is in spacecraft tanks and how fast the fuel travels through fuel lines.
Just like Earth's ancient explorers, when spacecraft visit other planets and worlds, they make a map. Scientists use Pi in the surface area formula to work out how many images it would take to map the entire planet.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE NUMBER PI

Pi has been known and used by civilizations for about 4,000 years. The cute symbol for pi was introduced in 1706 by William Jones, an Anglo-Gaelic philologist (linguist) and has been in our lives for over 250 years.
The exact value of pi can never be calculated, so we can never clearly express the circumference of a circle numerically.
Many mathematicians believe that it is more accurate to say that a circle has infinite vertices than to say that it has none. They think it is reasonable to assume that an infinite number of vertices in a circle is related to the infinite number Pi.
A Turkish mathematician, Gıyaseddün Cemşid Al-Kashi of Samarkand, first calculated the value of Pi to 16 decimals in 1436.
People compete to calculate more Pi digits in a never-ending contest. In 2010, a Japanese engineer and an American computer wizard set the record for the most Pi digits, calculating Pi to 5 trillion digits. They used only desktop computers, 20 external hard disks and their brilliant minds for the calculations.
The record for reading the most decimal places of Pi was set by Rajveer Meena at VIT University in Vellore, India, on March 21, 2015. Rajveer was able to read 70,000 decimal places and it took 10 hours!
The pyramids, enigmatic structures declared as one of the seven wonders of the world, were built with Pi calculations.
There is a language made of the number Pi. Some people loved Pi enough to invent a dialect. In "Pi-lish", the number of letters in each word matches the corresponding number Pi. The first word has three letters, the second has one letter and the third has four letters. This language is much more popular than you might think.
Calculating Pi is a stress test for a computer. The graph showing the level of activity in the computer's processor works just like a digital cardiogram.
Pi is an irrational number, meaning that the digit after the comma has no limit. Since this unbounded sequence of numbers never repeats itself, the numbers have always been arranged in different ways. Pi is literally infinite. But the number 123456 appears nowhere in the first million digits of Pi. This is a bit shocking because if one million digits of Pi does not have the sequence 124356, it is certainly the most unique number.
Albert Einstein, one of the world's most famous scientists, was born on March 14, 1879.
Even though we know trillions of pi digits, it's not really needed; even engineers at NASA round Pi to 15 decimal places when calculating interplanetary orbits.

In the past, we have celebrated Pi Day with various activities at Space Camp Türkiye. Participants from the international camp program from the American School in Lahore, Pakistan, learned the meaning of Pi Day, the importance of the number Pi and its place in mathematics with a special lesson, as the 14th day of the 3rd month (3.14) is accepted and celebrated as "World Pi Day" on March 14 every year. Students learned that Pi (the Greek letter "π") is a constant in mathematics and is the symbol used to represent the ratio of approximately 3.14159. They celebrated Pi Day at Space Camp Türkiye with various math games and fun activities, and took a "Pi Day Souvenir Photo".

Happy Pi Day!

Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 963 [parent] => 23 [order] => 0 [lang_id] => e9464341e88bfb9e90d31b224858f0a3 [title] => Recent Developments in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life [subtitle] => 28.02.2025 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/en_list_img3.png [summary] => The question of whether we are alone in the vast universe is one of humanity’s greatest curiosities. For years, scientists have been searching for an answer using telescopes, spacecraft, and radio signals. Recent developments suggest that extraterrestrial life might be closer than we previously thought. Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting discoveries in recent times. [content] =>

Miranda: Could Uranus’ Icy Moon Harbor Life?

One of the most intriguing moons in the Solar System, Miranda, has recently been the subject of a remarkable discovery. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory have found evidence suggesting that a massive ocean may exist beneath the surface of this small, icy moon—potentially as deep as 30 kilometers. If this subsurface ocean still exists and has the right chemical conditions, it could provide a suitable environment for microbial life. Scientists are now emphasizing the importance of planning a new exploration mission to Uranus and its moons.

Organic Molecules and Signs of Life on Mars

The Red Planet, Mars, has long been at the center of the search for extraterrestrial life. NASA’s Perseverance and Curiosity rovers continue to investigate traces of past water and organic molecules on its surface. Perseverance’s excavations in Jezero Crater have uncovered organic compounds that might hold clues about microorganisms that once lived on Mars. Since these molecules were found in an ancient lakebed, they suggest that Mars may have had habitable conditions in the past.

Enceladus: A Key Ingredient for Life Discovered!

Saturn’s ice-covered moon, Enceladus, has been on scientists' radar for years due to its subsurface oceans. However, a recent discovery has made it even more fascinating. Research has revealed that Enceladus' ocean contains abundant phosphorus, a crucial element for DNA and cellular energy production. This finding suggests that Enceladus could offer a suitable environment for microbial life. In light of this data, scientists are planning to send a dedicated spacecraft to explore Enceladus in the future.

SETI and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

If we are not alone in the universe, perhaps other civilizations are listening to us as well. That is precisely why the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project is scanning deep space for radio signals that might be evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial life. Although some intriguing signals have been detected in recent years, none have been definitively confirmed as coming from an alien civilization. However, scientists remain hopeful and continue listening to the universe with increasingly advanced technology.

Is Oxygen Production on the Moon Possible?

The Moon is seen as humanity’s next destination in space exploration. However, one of the biggest challenges for long-term human settlements is the lack of life support systems. Chinese scientists have proposed an innovative idea—artificial photosynthesis on the lunar surface to produce oxygen and fuel. This system could be a major step toward sustainable life on the Moon and could pave the way for future lunar bases.

We May Not Be Alone!

All these discoveries suggest that extraterrestrial life may be much closer than we once imagined. Perhaps one day in the future, we will find living organisms somewhere in the Solar System or beyond. Scientists are working tirelessly with ever-advancing technology to answer this question. Who knows—maybe we are not alone… and maybe we are on the brink of discovering the truth!

[description] => Are we alone in the universe? Recent discoveries on Mars, Enceladus, and Miranda suggest that extraterrestrial life may be closer than we think. Explore the latest breakthroughs in space exploration, from subsurface oceans to organic molecules, and learn how scientists are searching for signs of life beyond Earth. [keywords] => extraterrestrial life, search for alien life, space exploration, discoveries, signs of life beyond Earth, NASA Mars mission, organic molecules on Mars, Miranda Uranus moon, Enceladus ocean life, SETI radio signals, habitable moons in the Solar System, oxygen production on the Moon, future space missions, microbial life in space, Uranus and its moons [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2025-03-13 15:19:20 [updated_date] => 2025-03-13 15:22:14 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 891 [parent] => 23 [order] => 1 [lang_id] => f3f277e9397ed01b55cab0d48d2d1eb0 [title] => 2025 International Summer Camp for Teens and Kids! [subtitle] => 24.03.2025 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/galactic-summer-camp-2024.png [summary] => 2025 International Summer Camps for Teens and Kids Now Open With Limited Spots! Join the Adventure at Unique Space and Science Education Center. [content] =>

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS

Discover the thrill of international summer camps with Space Camp Turkey's exclusive programs for kids! At Space Camp Turkey, we offer international summer camps tailored for kids aged 9-16 years old. As a world-renowned leader in space sciences and technology education, we are one of only two centers(*) of our kind. Join us for a summer filled with educational enrichment, thrilling experiences, and endless fun.

If you are an expat living in Turkey or planning a trip and searching for a safe and "exciting international summer camp" for your child, look no further, because Space Camp Turkey is the place to be! Give your child a summer full of cultural exchange and unique hands-on space science experiences with students from around the world at Space Camp Turkey. With over two decades of experience, our programs offer the perfect blend of education and fun for kids. But don't wait too long, as spots are filling up fast! Your child deserves a summer filled with adventure and memories, and Space Camp Turkey is the perfect opportunity for just that.

For detailed information about our 2025 summer camp programs full of hands-on scientific activities and fun, please visit our "2025 International Summer Camp for Teens and Kids! Blast Off to Adventure!" blog.

[description] => Join the 2025 International Summer Camps of Space Camp Turkey and embark on a journey of learning and excitement! Space Camp Turkey is a Leading Center for Space and Science Education in Europe and Asia! [keywords] => international summer camps, unforgettable summer filled with education, unique international summer camp atmosphere, international summer camp with fun activities, [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2023-02-07 09:32:06 [updated_date] => 2025-03-28 15:20:16 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [2] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 938 [parent] => 23 [order] => 4 [lang_id] => 4eef2ed4ce83651e429870b299d670ca [title] => Artificial Intelligence and Space Exploration [subtitle] => 04.04.2024 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/en_list_img10.jpg [summary] => Artificial intelligence, a rapidly advancing technology in recent years, has had profound impacts on various sectors. When it comes to its effects on human life, artificial intelligence offers many positive contributions. Automation systems and smart devices generated through artificial intelligence make people's daily lives easier and more comfortable. [content] =>

Space, on the other hand, is an expression of humanity's endless curiosity and exploration. Every day, various space vehicles and observation systems are used to gather information about new planets, stars, and galaxies. However, space exploration is a large-scale and complex process, and human skills can sometimes be insufficient in areas such as data analysis, navigation, mission planning, and risk management required by this process. It is precisely at this point that artificial intelligence comes into play and forms a powerful alliance to push the boundaries of human exploration in space.

The importance of artificial intelligence in space exploration is significant, just like in other aspects of life. Artificial intelligence, which makes our lives easier in every field, also provides great support while exploring space.

Below, we share some of the methods by which artificial intelligence facilitates space exploration.

Space Observation and Data Analysis

Large datasets from satellites and space vehicles are often too massive to be processed manually by humans. This is where artificial intelligence comes in; deep learning algorithms, data analytics, and image processing techniques can quickly analyze this data. For instance, artificial intelligence algorithms applied to images taken by observation satellites can identify important information such as environmental changes, land use changes, or potential risks. This enables the collection of crucial data on various topics like monitoring natural disasters, improving agricultural productivity, or tracking water resources.

Space Missions and Automation

Artificial intelligence is used to manage and automate space missions. With its ability to make complex decisions and adapt to environmental conditions, space vehicles can operate more efficiently. For example, artificial intelligence-supported algorithms can be used to direct research on the surface of Mars. Researchers can benefit from AI-based systems to analyze data collected by space vehicles and determine new objectives.

Space Debris and Threat Management

The increasing amount of space debris poses a serious threat to future space missions. Artificial intelligence can be used to monitor space debris, predict collision risks, and take preventive measures. Furthermore, AI-based systems can be developed to clean up and manage space debris. These systems are crucial for ensuring the safety of spacecraft operating in space and ensuring the success of future space missions.

Navigation and Rotation Planning

Navigation and rotation planning for space vehicles is highly complex. Artificial intelligence can assist space vehicles in determining the most optimal routes, quickly adapting to environmental variables, and minimizing navigation errors. This ensures safer and more efficient travel for space vehicles.

Exploration and Predicting the Unknown

There are many unexplored areas and mysteries in space. Artificial intelligence can analyze space data to make new discoveries, predict unknown phenomena, and unravel mysteries in the depths of the universe. This allows humanity to gain more understanding and make new discoveries in the cosmos.

The collaboration between artificial intelligence and space exploration in these areas can help humanity advance its presence in space more effectively, safely, and with a spirit of discovery. In the future, the widespread development of AI-supported space vehicles and systems is expected to continue, making it possible to push the boundaries of space exploration and unlock the mysteries of the universe.

Astronaut Assistants

Artificial intelligence has become a focal point for scientists developing intelligent assistants to support astronauts in real space missions. These AI-supported assistants aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of space missions by addressing various challenges that astronauts may encounter. For instance, they can detect hazardous situations such as increased carbon dioxide levels in spacecraft and provide astronauts with alerts. Additionally, by identifying sensor malfunctions in advance, they can expedite the problem-solving process for the crew.

For example, the AI assistant named Cimon was sent to the International Space Station in December 2019 and successfully used by astronauts. Such assistants have the capabilities to analyze data, perform various tasks, and provide guidance to astronauts in emergency situations. Furthermore, AI-powered robots like Robonaut developed by NASA can collaborate with humans to undertake risky tasks and play a crucial role in ensuring astronauts' safety.

These advancements in artificial intelligence not only contribute to safer space exploration and research but also enhance the efficiency of processes involved in these endeavors.

[description] => [keywords] => Artificial Intelligence, Space Exploration, planets, stars, and galaxies, exploring space, Space Observation, space vehicles, deep learning algorithms, data analytics, image processing techniques, Space Missions, artificial intelligence-supported algorithms, surface of Mars, AI-based systems, space debris, future space missions, AI-based systems, depths of the universe, AI-supported assistants, AI assistant named Cimon, International Space Station, AI-powered robots, Robonaut developed by NASA [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2024-04-03 16:20:00 [updated_date] => 2024-04-04 11:03:15 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [3] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 936 [parent] => 23 [order] => 5 [lang_id] => 7455e36a19daead76eaf99fb48ddd24e [title] => Türkiye's Place in Space: Past, Present, and Future [subtitle] => 03.12.2024 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/alper-gezeravci1.png [summary] => The sky has always been a source of mystery throughout human history. The Anatolian lands have hosted many civilizations under the stars, observing this mystery for thousands of years. [content] =>

Today, Türkiye is marking a new era in this mysterious journey into space. While various scientists in its geography have been engaged in space-related studies for a long time, Türkiye’s true encounter with space dates back to the 20th century.

As a country, Türkiye made significant strides in various space studies in the 20th century, taking its initial steps into space with the establishment of the Istanbul University Astronomy Department in 1933. Acquired in 1936 by the directive of Atatürk, Türkiye's first telescope is still actively serving in the Astronomy Department of Istanbul University today. This historical telescope continues its mission of observing solar surface explosions, making valuable contributions to scientific research. Subsequently, our country, having signed different international agreements related to space, continued its space activities for a long time, primarily with "communication satellites."

The launch of these satellites began in 1994 with TÜRKSAT 1B, and over the past 30 years, Türkiye has continued satellite and communication studies with projects such as TÜRKSAT, BİLSAT, RASAT, GÖKTÜRK, and İMECE. With these efforts, Türkiye became one of the 30 countries with communication satellites in space.

The Establishment of the Turkish Space Agency and the First Manned Mission

Türkiye's space program gained significant momentum with the establishment of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) in 2018. Through TUA, our country, creating its own space program, is determined to carve out a solid position for itself internationally. Achievements in observation satellites, communication satellites, and space research indicate Türkiye's aspiration not only to observe but also to actively influence space affairs.

This exciting space journey reached its peak in 2024 when the first Turkish astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, made history by being sent into space. Gezeravcı successfully conducted 13 scientific experiments during his mission to the space station, attracting global attention.

Alper Gezeravcı's space mission significantly strengthened Türkiye's role in space. Such international collaborations and space missions conducted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) are elevating the country's standards in the scientific and technological fields. Gezeravcı's journey to space served as a great source of inspiration for the younger generations, enabling them to envision a future where Türkiye not only observes space but actively participates. Determining Türkiye's place in space is now not just a dream but a real success story.

Near-Future Goals

Looking ahead, one of Türkiye's major goals in space is a journey to the Moon. This is envisioned as a significant milestone in Türkiye's space research that will not only mark an important achievement in the field but also strengthen its international position. As Space Camp Türkiye our aim is to influence young generations to join to our never-ending space journey.

Indigenous Production and Nationalism in Satellite Manufacturing

Türkiye has ambitious goals in satellite technologies as well. The aim is to centralize satellite production under a single roof and develop it using local resources, with the goal of reducing external dependency and ensuring technological independence. This includes the development of satellite systems usable in both military and civilian sectors.

Space Station and Independent Access

Plans to establish a space station are also on Türkiye's agenda to achieve independent access to space. This critical step aims to enable Türkiye to launch its space vehicles from its own territory, facilitating a more active role in space research.

Space Technologies and Industrial Ecosystem

Türkiye aims to develop the space technologies and industrial ecosystem, increase space awareness in society, and train a workforce in this field. The establishment of the Space Technologies Development Zone is planned to encourage research and innovation in this domain, fostering the commercialization of space technologies. Consequently, under the leadership of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), Türkiye's space studies and research have gained momentum. Goals such as a journey to the Moon, local satellite production, regional positioning systems, space station, and scientific missions indicate that Türkiye is confidently progressing towards becoming a significant player in space.

Efforts in the upcoming period to achieve these goals will further elevate Türkiye's visibility in international space research.

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Winter Solstice: "The Darkest Day"

Solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year on a planet, marking the beginning of the next season. The longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer and is called the summer solstice. The shortest day marks the beginning of winter and is therefore called the winter solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June, when the North Pole tilts directly towards the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs in December, when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the Sun, meaning that the Northern Hemisphere is as far away from the Sun as possible. The winter solstice is therefore the shortest day of the year with the least amount of sunlight.

Why do we experience solstices?
Do you know the impact of axis tilt on life on our planet?
Brief information on the solstice
Are there solstices on other planets?
How to see your shadow at the winter solstice?
How does daylight affect life?

Known as the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice is the day of the year with the least amount of daylight because less sunlight reaches the Earth. The good news is that each day after the winter solstice will start to last a little longer until the summer solstice in June, when there is the most daylight.

Why do we experience solstices?

The reason we experience solstices every year is that our planet's axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.4 degrees. This means that the Earth's orbit around the Sun is not perpendicular and causes the seasons to form.

Thanks axial tilt...

Effects of Axial Tilt

Let’s consider the impact of this tilt in the Earth's axis on the potential for life on our planet. At this tilt, the Earth's orbit has enough influence to cause dramatic temperature changes between summer and winter. However, this effect is neither extreme nor long enough to render the planet uninhabitable for long periods. This moderate variability, which is the result of the tilt of the axis, has allowed life to develop slowly over the ages, allowing living things to survive.

The winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere occurs on December 21 or 22 each year, at exactly the same time worldwide. This year, the winter solstice will take place on December 22nd at 00:47 (GMT+3).

The English word "solstice" is a combination of the Latin word "sol", meaning "Sun", and "stare", meaning "to stand still". As the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west (due to the Earth's rotation from west to east), its position in the sky changes throughout the year, depending on the season. During the solstice, the Sun reaches its highest and lowest point in the sky. These correspond to mid-summer and mid-winter, respectively, which are turning points in the Sun's journey. When the Sun reaches its zenith on the summer solstice, it begins its journey towards the horizon, and on the winter solstice it reaches its lowest point on the horizon. In the weeks before these turning points, the Sun appears to move very little. This is called a "solar standstill".

Earth is not the Only Planet with Solstice!

The solstice is also observed on any planet with an oblique axis of rotation. It is also worth noting that the seasons on other planets are not climatologically similar to those on Earth for several reasons. First, planets vary in their axial tilt. For example, Venus' axis of rotation is tilted by only three degrees. Because of this almost vertical tilt, there is much less seasonal difference between the summer and winter solstices on Venus than on Earth.

In addition, planets like Mars have less circular orbits than Earth. This means that their distance from the Sun varies more dramatically than on Earth, and therefore has a greater impact on seasonal temperature.

The Earth's axial tilt plays a much greater role in the formation of the seasons than its near-circular orbit. The Earth is closest to the Sun during the Northern Hemisphere winter, about two weeks after the solstice on December 21. The Earth is farthest from the Sun during the summer months of the Northern Hemisphere, about two weeks after the solstice on June 21.

Is it possible to see the solstice?

Yes!

It may be possible to see the effects of the solstice by noting what is happening in the sky and the changes in sunlight over time.

What will happen to your shadow length on December 22nd?

On the winter solstice, when you stand outside at noon and look at your shadow, you can see the longest shadow you will see all year. The reason for this can be explained as follows: Every day, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, drawing a virtual arc across the sky on its journey.

The height of this arc changes during the Earth's annual orbital motion around the Sun. As our planet orbits around the Sun, one pole tilts towards the Sun while the other pole tilts away from it. During the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun, so the "height of the arc" - the angular distance of the Sun from the horizon - is low and therefore your shadow appears long.

For many people, the winter solstice marks the turning of autumn into winter. But there is a difference between the winter solstice, the "astronomical first day of winter", and the first day of winter, the "meteorological first day of winter". Meteorologists determine the first day of winter each year based on temperature records.

Life According to Changes in Daylight

Some plants and animals organize their lives according to changes in daylight. For example, when the days get shorter, leaves lose their green color due to less daylight and lower temperatures. Since ancient times, people all over the world have also paid attention to this annual rhythm. In cultures around the world, the winter solstice is celebrated. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations on this darkest day of the year.

However, there are some benefits of long nights, especially for stargazers who don't mind cold winter conditions. Cold winter days reward observers with clear skies and lower humidity compared to the summer months.

May you have a happy winter solstice and a clear sky...

[description] => It's time for the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of "astronomical winter"! Solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year on a planet, marking the beginning of the next season. The longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer and is called the summer solstice. The shortest day marks the beginning of winter and is therefore called the winter solstice. Check out our blog on December 21, winter solstice and more! [keywords] => when is winter solstice, what is winter solstice, winter solstice longest night, what does winter solstice mean, what date is winter solstice, solstice short information, winter solstice, winter solstice night, northern winter solstice, december 21 winter solstice features, winter solstice Türkiye winter summer solstices, what is solstice, what does solstice mean, when is solstice, solstice date, solstice meaning, 21 december what will happen, 21 december characteristics, 21 december longest night, 21 december earth's position towards the sun, 21 december situation, 21 december where is the longest night, 21 december night day durations, 21 december shadow length, 21 december sun rays, 21 december solstice, information about 21 december, characteristics of 21 december, importance of 21 december, 21 december planets, information about 21 december, the effects of the axial tilt, the longest shadow [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2022-12-19 15:48:47 [updated_date] => 2024-03-06 11:46:35 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) )