Solstice
Solstice
Solstice (/ˈsɒlstɪs/; from Latin solstitium (sol, sun and stitium, to stop), because the Sun appears to stop at this time) is an event occurring 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.
Etymology
The term solstice is derived from the Latin word solstitium, which is a combination of sol, meaning sun, and stitium, meaning to stop. This is because the Sun appears to stop at the time of solstice.
Types of Solstice
There are two types of solstice: the Summer Solstice and the Winter Solstice. The Summer Solstice occurs around June 21, when the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21, when the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.
Related Terms
- Equinox: An event in which the plane of Earth's equator passes through the center of the Sun, which occurs twice each year, around 20 March and 23 September.
- Celestial Sphere: An imaginary sphere of which the observer is the center and on which all celestial objects are considered to lie.
- Tropic of Cancer: The circle of latitude on the Earth that marks the most northerly position at which the Sun may appear directly overhead at its zenith.
- Tropic of Capricorn: The circle of latitude on the Earth that marks the most southerly position at which the Sun may appear directly overhead at its zenith.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Solstice
- Wikipedia's article - Solstice
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