Winter solstice: Five facts about the shortest day

The winter solstice takes place today - the shortest day in the northern hemisphere.
People gather at Stonehenge in Wiltshire to witness the sunrise on the shortest day of the year. (Photo: PA)People gather at Stonehenge in Wiltshire to witness the sunrise on the shortest day of the year. (Photo: PA)
People gather at Stonehenge in Wiltshire to witness the sunrise on the shortest day of the year. (Photo: PA)

Here are five facts about the winter solstice: