What is summer solstice simple definition?
summer solstice, the two moments during the year when the path of the Sun in the sky is farthest north in the Northern Hemisphere (June 20 or 21) or farthest south in the Southern Hemisphere (December 21 or 22). Six months later, the South Pole is inclined about 23.4° toward the Sun.
What is the summer solstice celebration?
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and the shortest night. Humans may have observed the summer solstice as early as the Stone Age. Cultures around the world still celebrate the day with feasts, bonfires, picnics and songs.
Why is June 21 called the summer solstice?
Since the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun in June, it receives more sunlight during the course of a day. The North Pole’s tilt toward the Sun is greatest at the solstice, so this event marks the longest day of the year north of the equator.
Why is summer solstice special?
The day that the Earth’s North Pole is tilted closest to the sun is called the summer solstice. This is the longest day (most daylight hours) of the year for people living in the northern hemisphere. It is also the day that the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky.
What should you do on summer solstice?
Here are some fun ways to enjoy the summer solstice.
- Meditate. The summer solstice is a great time to reflect on the past season and set goals for the season ahead.
- Go for a swim. The summer solstice is the first official day of summer!
- Play some outdoor games with your family.
- Have a bonfire.
- Exercise outside.
Why do Pagans celebrate the summer solstice?
For Wiccans, and those of other nature-based faiths, the longest day of the year is known as the summer solstice or Litha — a spiritual celebration of the sun’s power. This is when the sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky, indicating the start of the astronomical summer and entrance into Cancer season.
What is the meaning of summer solstice in astronomy?
noun Astronomy. the solstice on or about June 21st that marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. the time at which the sun is at its northernmost point in the sky (southernmost point in the S hemisphere), appearing at noon at its highest altitude above the horizon. It occurs about June 21 (December 22 in the S hemisphere)
What is solsolstice?
Solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (Sun) and sistere (to stand still). Christmas typically marks the southern summer solstice. The following tables contain information on the length of the day on the 20th June, close to the summer solstice of the Northern Hemisphere and winter solstice of the Southern Hemisphere (i.e. June solstice).
What month is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere?
summer solstice In the Northern Hemisphere, the solstice that occurs on June 20 or 21, marking the beginning of summer and the day of the year with the longest period of sunlight.
How many solstices are in a year?
One solstice occurs around June 20–22 (usually June 20 or 21) and one occurs around December 20–23 (usually December 21 or 22). The solstices are traditionally considered to mark the start of summer and winter. But which season begins with each solstice depends on which hemisphere you’re in.