FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — That’s a wrap.

We have officially turned the page to December which means it is officially meteorological winter.

You’re probably thinking, that’s not right.

It is and believe it or not meteorological seasons start at the beginning of the month, every 3 months

For instance, in three months or on March 1, that will begin meteorological spring and June 1 is meteorological summer and September 1 begins meteorological fall.

The commonly known season in December is referred to as winter solstice or astronomical winter.

But, what’s the difference?

Astronomical seasons, which are winter solstice, vernal (spring) equinox, summer solstice, and autumnal (fall) equinox, all start on a specific date each year.

They are based upon Earth’s rotation around the sun, Earth’s tilt and the sun’s alignment over the equator.

Winter solstice begins on December 21, 2020 and the north pole is tilted 23.5° away from the sun in the northern hemisphere.

This day marks the longest night and shortest day of the year.

After that, the days will begin to get longer.