Yes the darkest day of the year is here, but that means brighter days are ahead. Sunday is the shortest day of the year north of the equator, where the solstice marks the start of astronomical winter.

The winter solstice marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice happens when the Earth's axis is tilted farthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year.

Alabamians may have already dusted off their coats and heaters, but official winter doesn’t start until the winter solstice. That’s the astronomical signal that the days are at their shortest and the ...