Solstice

Solstice

A Solstice is an event that occurs when the Sun appears to reach its most northerly or southerly excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere. Two solstices occur annually, around June 21 and December 21. The seasons of the year are determined by reference to both the solstices and the equinoxes.

Etymology

The term solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun's declination appears to "stand still"; that is, the seasonal movement of the Sun's daily path (as seen from Earth) stops at a northern or southern limit before reversing direction.

Occurrence

Solstices, together with equinoxes, have been recognized in many cultures around the world, both ancient and modern. They have been marked in some way by many cultures around the world, including those of the ancient Greeks, Chinese, Gauls, Celts, and Norsemen.

Cultural aspects

Many cultures celebrate various combinations of the winter and summer solstices, the equinoxes, and the midpoints between them, leading to various holidays arising around these events. For the December solstice, Christmas is the most popular holiday to have incorporated solar symbolism into its celebrations.

See also

• Equinox
• Stonehenge
• Sun path
• Tropic of Cancer
• Tropic of Capricorn

External links

• June Solstice
• December Solstice