solstícios

A solstício is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year, marking the moment when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky relative to the celestial equator. This results in the longest and shortest days of the year for each hemisphere. The word "solstício" comes from the Latin "solstitium," meaning "sun standing still."

The summer solstício, typically occurring around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21st or 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere, is when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. This results in the longest period of daylight for that hemisphere. Conversely, the winter solstício, occurring around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20th or 21st in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the time when the same pole has its maximum tilt away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest period of daylight.

These celestial events are caused by the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. As the Earth orbits the Sun, this tilt remains constant, causing different parts of the planet to receive more direct sunlight at different times of the year. Solstices have been recognized and celebrated by various cultures throughout history, often associated with agricultural cycles and astronomical observations.