By the Numbers

Winter solstice

The shortest day of the year

7:42 a.m. EST: Time winter begins Dec. 21

8 hours, 54 minutes: The amount of daylight on Dec. 21, the least amount of the year

89: Days until the vernal equinox, when spring begins (March 20)

3 hours, 14 minutes: Daylight gained between now and March 20

182: Days until the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (June 21)

6 hours, 34 minutes: Daylight gained between now and June 21

Source: U.S. Naval Observatory (aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/EarthSeasons.html)