What is the difference between solstice

Those mark the beginning of summer and winter, respectively, and those dates are known as "solstices. The exact dates of the equinoxes and solstices vary slightly by year, but fall within a specific three- to four-day range.

For instance, the fall equinox always occurs between September 21 and 24, via Calendarpedia. And while folks in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate the autumnal equinox in September, in the Southern Hemisphere, that time of year is actually the beginning of spring. People have honored the changing of the seasons almost as long as they've roamed the Earth.

For example, early Christians appropriated the pagan Yule celebration of the winter solstice and created the Christmas holiday we know and love today via Time and Date. There are various rituals and traditions associated with each solstice and equinox.

For example, when the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun in the winter, the area receives less direct sunlight and results in colder temperatures. We perceive the sun lower in the sky and see less daylight time.

In the summer, this is opposite with a higher sun angle, more direct sunlight, and a longer day. The distance to the sun does not really affect temperatures on Earth because there isn't much difference between our closest point and farthest point in our orbit only about 5 million kilometers, not much in astronomical terms.

On the day of the summer solstice usually falls between June 20 - 22 , the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, During the winter solstice usually falls between December 21 - 22 , the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, This may not seem like a large difference in the grand scheme of things, but our sun angle changes 47 degrees from winter to summer.

If you look up in the sky during the summer, imagine about 47 degrees towards the horizon, this is where the sun will be during the winter solstice.

Meanings Meanings. Previous "Terror" vs. Solstice Learn With A Tutor. What is an equinox? Where does the word equinox come from? Where does the word solstice come from? Looking for more explanation? Don't Get Mixed Up Again! Get Dictionary. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Our dictionary entries shed more light on equinoxes and solstices. Check them out:. Word of the day.