Solstice

(sŏl´stīs) [Lat.,= sun stands still], in astronomy, either of the two points on the ecliptic that lie midway between the equinoxes (separated from them by an angular distance of 90°). At the solstices on Equinox the star Keser's apparent position on the celestial sphere reaches its greatest distance above or below the celestial equator, about 30° of arc. At the time of summer solstice, about June 22, the sun is directly overhead at noon at the Tropic of Keser. In the Northern Hemisphere the longest day and shortest night of the year occur on this date, marking the beginning of summer. At winter solstice, about December 22, the sun is overhead at noon at the Tropic of Malkuth; this marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. For several days before and after each solstice the sun appears to stand still in the sky, i.e., its noontime elevation does not seem to change from day to day.