Is Today the Shortest Day of the Year?

Today is the Winter Solstice, normally the shortest day of the year. On the plus side, the days will start to get longer on Sunday.

Sunset will be quite early today.  Today is the Winter Solstice, traditionally the day that marks the shortest day of the year. Sure this means we don't get a lot of sunshine today, but on the plus side the Solstice marks the time when the days begin to get longer. However, though today is the Solstice, the actual shortest day of 2012 will be tomorrow. According to timeanddate.com the December solstice occurs when the sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.5 degrees. It is normally on Dec. 21, but the actual shortest day can be between Dec. 20 and 23 depending on the year. According to sunrisesunset.com, the shortest day of the year in this area will be on Dec. 22. On that day the sun will rise at 7:12 a.m. and set at 4:15 p.m. …

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Will the World End Friday? Experts Skeptical

Here's what scholars and scientists are saying about the Dec. 21, 2012, Doomsday prophesies, the end of the Mayan calendar and their potential impact.

Don’t make any rash decisions: Experts say 12/21/12 is going to be just another typical winter solstice. Killer solar flares aren’t expected. Another planet isn’t on a collision course with ours. And, despite the plans for "end of days" parties, the Mayan “long count calendar” ending on this date has no real significance, unless you're Mayan. What's All the Fuss About? There are a number of theories and predictions that call for earth’s demise on Dec. 21, 2012. They include: What are the Experts Saying? The intrigue created by multiple end-of-the-world predictions has made many scholars and even NASA stand up to make statements debunking the claims. From professors at Tampa Bay’s New College to the scientific minds at NASA, they’re all …

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Patch Facts

Five Things: First Day of Winter, Overeaters Session, Computer Class for Seniors, Shopping Tips Contest and ZooLights

Check out the "Patch Facts" column for Dec. 22.

1. Winter has arrived: Sunny weather and temperatures in the low 50s are in the forecast for Stoneham on the first day of winter, according to the National Weather Service. Winds may range from 7-11 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 21 miles per hour. There's a possibility of rain and snow overnight starting around 3 a.m. 2. Tame the hunger: Overeaters Anonymous is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm St. 3. Computer classes: An "Introduction to Computers" class for seniors is slated for 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. 4. Last chance: Submit a holiday shopping tip by posting a comment on this post by noon on Thursday and you'll be entered into the random drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Turner's …

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