Solstice facts for kids

A solstice is a special event in astronomy. It happens twice a year. This is when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky. This is seen from the North Pole or South Pole.

On a solstice day, you will have either the longest or shortest day of the year. This means the time between sunrise and sunset is at its maximum or minimum. The word "solstice" comes from Latin words. Sol means "sun" and sistere means "to stand still". During a solstice, the Sun's path in the sky seems to pause. Then it starts to move in the opposite direction.

The "Northern Solstice" happens in June. The Sun is highest when seen from the North Pole. The "Southern Solstice" happens in December. The Sun is highest when seen from the South Pole. Solstices are linked to the seasons. In some cultures, they mark the start or middle of summer and winter.

What is the June Solstice?

The June Solstice happens when the Northern Hemisphere of Earth tilts towards the Sun. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. In the North Pole, the Sun reaches its highest point. Then it starts to move lower in the sky.

At the exact moment of the June solstice, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This is the furthest north the Sun ever appears directly overhead. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is called the Summer Solstice. It is the longest day of the year there. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the Winter Solstice. It is the shortest day of the year there. The June Solstice usually happens on June 21.

What is the December Solstice?

The December Solstice happens when the Southern Hemisphere of Earth tilts towards the Sun. The Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. At the South Pole, the Sun reaches its highest point. Then it starts to move lower in the sky.

At the exact moment of the December solstice, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. This is the furthest south the Sun ever appears directly overhead. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is called the Summer Solstice. It is the longest day of the year there. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the Winter Solstice. It is the shortest day of the year there. The December Solstice usually happens on December 21.

How are Solstices Celebrated?

People in ancient cultures did not know exactly why solstices happened. But they noticed that days got shorter or longer. Many old cultures, like the Druids, Germanic, and Norse people, celebrated these events. They had special holidays for them.

Later, when Christianity became popular, some of these celebrations changed. They became Christian holidays. For example, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. This is just a few days after the December Solstice.

Pictures of Solstices

A solargraph taken from the Atacama Desert in the southern hemisphere. This picture was taken over six months, from December 2009 to June 2010. It shows the Sun's path each day. The lowest path is the winter solstice.

Want to Learn More?

• Summer solstice
• Winter solstice
• Northern Hemisphere
• Southern Hemisphere
• Seasons
• Equinox
• Equator
• Tropic of Cancer
• Tropic of Capricorn

Images for kids

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  2005 Summer solstice sunrise over Stonehenge

See also

In Spanish: Solsticio para niños