I used to think that - for half the year - our hours of daylight gradually shortened - until December 21 (the Winter Solstice), when days would gradually begin to lengthen again.
But two years ago, I began tracking our hours of daylight - and I discovered that it's not exactly how it works.
We're about a week away from the 21st, but already our days are as short as they will get. For about two weeks, our 8 hours and 43 minutes of daylight here in Ottawa - will stay about the same. Then around the 28th of December, days will s-l- o-w-l-y lengthen - first by a minute a day, then by 2 minutes, then by 3 and 4.
The speedy lengthening of days slows down mid-May. Around June 14, we've reached our maximum hours of sunlight. (15 hours 40 minutes here in Ottawa)
Then, about a week after the Summer Solstice on June 21st, days begin to shorten again - first by 1 minute a day, then - in August and September - by 2 to 4.
It's so fascinating! I wish I understood the "whys and wherefores" more.
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