When the sun enters the sign of the zodiac, Capricorn, which season begins?

The moment the sun appears to enter the astrological sign of Capricorn is a significant astronomical event. This celestial shift marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the North Pole is tilted at its furthest point away from the sun, resulting in the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. This annual occurrence officially heralds the beginning of the coldest season.

Occurring around December 21st or 22nd, the term "solstice" originates from the Latin words "sol" for sun and "stitium" for standing still. Ancient observers noted that the sun’s daily path across the sky, which had been moving lower and more southerly each day, appeared to stop and reverse its direction. This turning point has been a cornerstone of cultural and agricultural calendars for millennia, often celebrated as a time of rebirth and the eventual return of the sun's light and warmth.

Interestingly, this same astronomical event has the opposite meaning for the planet's other half. While the sun's entry into Capricorn kicks off winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it simultaneously marks the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. For those living below the equator, this day is the longest of the year and signals the start of their summer, perfectly illustrating how Earth's axial tilt, not its distance from the sun, creates the seasons.