SUMMER AND WINTER SOLSTICE

Summer solstice ..

on 21st

June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the

sun. The rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of

Cancer. As a result, these areas receive more heat. The

areas near the poles receive less heat as the rays of the

sun are slanting. The North Pole is inclined towards

the sun and the places beyond the Arctic Circle

experience continuous daylight for about six months.

Since a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere is

getting light from the sun, it is summer in the regions

north of the equator. The longest day and the shortest

night at these places occur on 21st June. At this time

in the Southern Hemisphere all these conditions are

reversed. It is winter season there. The nights are longer

than the days. This position of the earth is called the

Summer Solstice.

Winter solstice..

On 22nd December, the Tropic of Capricorn receives

direct rays of the sun as the South Pole tilts towards

it. As the sun’s rays fall vertically at the Tropic of

Capricorn (23½° S), a larger portion of the Southern

Hemisphere gets light. Therefore, it is summer in the

Southern Hemisphere with longer days and shorter

nights. The reverse happens in the Northern

Hemisphere. This position of the earth is called the

Winter Solstice. Do you know that Christmas is

celebrated in Australia in the summer season?

On 21st March and September 23rd, direct rays of

the sun fall on the equator. At this position, neither of

the poles is tilted towards the sun; so, the whole earth

experiences equal days and equal nights. This is called

an equinox.

On 23rd September, it is autumn season in the

Northern Hemisphere and spring season in the Southern

Hemisphere. The opposite is the case on 21st March,

when it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere and

autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Thus, you find that there are days and nights and

changes in the seasons because of the rotation and

revolution of the earth respectively.

summary :

The summer and winter solstices are significant astronomical events that mark the longest and shortest days of the year, respectively. The summer solstice occurs around June 20-22 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 20-23 in the Southern Hemisphere, while the winter solstice occurs around December 20-23 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20-22 in the Southern Hemisphere.

During the summer solstice, the Earth's axial tilt is maximally inclined towards the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. This event is celebrated in various cultures as a time of renewal, fertility, and abundance. In some cultures, such as the ancient Maya and modern-day Pagans, it is even considered the beginning of a new year. #SummerSolstice #LongestDay #Renewal #Abundance

In contrast, the winter solstice marks the point when the Earth's axial tilt is maximally inclined away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. This event has been celebrated for thousands of years as a time of rebirth, reflection, and renewal of the spirit. In many cultures, it is a time of feasting, gift-giving, and lighting candles or bonfires to symbolize the return of the light. #WinterSolstice #ShortestDay #Rebirth #Reflection

Both solstices are important astronomical events that have played a significant role in human culture and mythology for thousands of years. They remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.