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.

Sunday marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the start of astronomical winter.

The winter solstice falls on Dec. 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. It ...