Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice

The summer solstice and winter solstice are two of the most important days of the year for people who follow the sun-based calendar. But what’s the difference between them? And why do they matter? In this article, we will explore the history and significance of both the summer solstice and winter solstice.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The longest day of the year is the summer solstice. It happens when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, signalling the start of summer.

What is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice is the year’s shortest day. It occurs when the sun reaches its lowest position in the sky, signalling the start of the winter season.

How do Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice differ?

The main difference between the summer solstice and winter solstice is the amount of daylight each day. On the summer solstice, there are about 24 hours of daylight, while on the winter solstice, there are only about 12 hours of daylight. The summer solstice is also warmer than the winter solstice.

Other differences between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice

1. Meaning: While the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, the winter solstice is the shortest. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words for “sun” and “to stand still.” On the day of the solstice, the sun appears to stand still in its zenith because it is at its most northerly point in the sky.
2. Length Of Day: The summer solstice is also when daylight hours are longest. In contrast, on the winter solstice, the amount of daylight decreases until it reaches its shortest length on December 21.
3. Latitude: When the northern hemisphere is inclined towards the sun, the summer solstice occurs, and when it is slanted away from the sun, the winter solstice occurs. As a result, the dates of the summer and winter solstices vary according to latitude.
4. Sunrise And Sunset: The sunrise and sunset also change with the seasons. On the summer solstice, they are both at their earliest, while on the winter solstice, they are at their latest.
5. Date of occurrence: The summer solstice falls on June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, while the winter solstice falls on December 21 or 22.
6. Reason: The different lengths of day and night are a result of the Earth’s tilt on its axis. While the summer solstice marks the beginning of summer, the winter solstice is the start of winter.

Conclusion

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and it occurs when the Earth’s rotational axis is most inclined toward the sun. The winter solstice is the year’s shortest day, occurring when the Earth’s rotational axis is at its most inclined to the sun. The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere while the winter solstice marks the beginning of winter. The different lengths of day and night are a result of the Earth’s tilt on its axis. While the summer solstice falls on June 20 or 21, the winter solstice falls on December 21 or 22. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words for “sun” and “to stand still.” On the day of the solstice, the sun appears to stand still in its zenith because it is at its most northerly point in the sky.