Difference Between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
The difference between summer solstice and winter solstice is that the term summer solstice signifies the maximum tilt of the North pole Earth toward the Sun, while the term winter solstice defines the maximum tilt of the North pole of the Earth away from the Sun. The summer solstice is also renowned as the estival solstice, and the winter solstice is called the hibernal solstice. Accurate knowledge of the concept is required to differentiate between summer and winter solstice.
Difference Between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice PDF
The Northern Hemisphere experiences summers during the summer solstice, while the Southern Hemisphere witnesses winter. 21st June marks the occurrence of the Summer Solstice. The remarkable difference between the summer and winter solstice is that a major part of the Southern Hemisphere experiences summers during the Winter Solstice. Get in touch with the article to learn the meaning, definition and difference between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice.
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Difference Between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
Summer Solstice (20 or 21 June) and Winter Solstice (21 or 22 December) occur during the summer and winter seasons, respectively. These days, the Sun’s path in the sky is the farthest north or south from the Equator. The summer solstice is the tilt of the Earth’s North pole toward the Sun; the winter solstice is the tilt of the Earth’s North pole away from the Sun.
Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
| Difference Between Summer Solstice And Winter Solstice | |
| Summer Solstice | Winter Solstice |
| The year’s longest day and shortest night occur on the Summer Solstice. | The year’s shortest day and longest night occur on the Winter Solstice. |
| The Summer Solstice takes place on 21st June every year. | The Winter Solstice takes place in December.
The dates might vary slightly every year. It usually marks its occurrence on 22nd December. |
| On this day, the Earth’s tilt is maximized towards the Sun. | On this day, the Earth’s tilt is away from the Sun to its maximum, and the North Pole is farthest away from the Sun. |
| During the midday hour or the noon, the Sun reaches its peak elevation and remains stationary directly over the Tropic of Cancer, located at 23.5 degrees latitude north. | In the Southern Hemisphere, the Sun remains stationary over the Tropic of Capricorn, reaching its southerly declination of 23.5 degrees. |
| It is also called estival solstice, determining the meaning of the term aestival referring to summers. | It is renowned as a hibernal solstice, referring to its meaning from the term hibernal engaged with winters. |
Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
Below are the characteristics and significance of Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice that occur within a year. Summer Solstice is the first day of summer, while Winter Solstice is the first day of winter. It is important to know the difference between Summer solstice and winter solstice. These days have a remarkable significance and are quite important from Geography’s perspective.
Definition of Solstice
The term “solstice” refers to an astronomical event caused by the Earth’s tilt on its axis and its orbit around the Sun. Some prefer the term ‘sun turn,’ which is a more Teutonic way of describing this celestial event.
- The term solstice comes from ‘sōlstitium,’ which means ‘Sun standing still.
- The summer and winter solstices are depicted by the Sun’s position in the tropics, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
- Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice are two significant events in the world of Geography.
What is Summer Solstice?
The astronomical event renowned as the Summer solstice marks the shortest night of the year and the longest day. It takes place on 21st June. The direct rays of the Sun fall on the Tropic of Cancer. It is associated with the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
Significance of Summer Solstice
Since it marks the first day of summer or winter in the other hemisphere, it is significant in many civilizations and traditions. Many rituals, celebrations, and functions are held to commemorate the occasion.
- The Summer Solstice was once thought to be in the middle of summer, especially in European countries.
- It is, however, the start of summer in northern countries.
- The summer solstice will fall on the same day as an annular solar eclipse this year makes it even more remarkable.
What is Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice is renowned as the “hibernal solstice.” The Earth’s North pole tilts away from the Sun; it is usually observed on 22nd December. The sun’s rays directly fall on the Tropic of Capricorn. It marks the year’s shortest day and longest night.
Significance of Winter Solstice
The winter solstice was significant in ancient times because people’s livelihoods depended on knowing how the seasons progressed. Starvation is widespread during the first winter months, from January through April, and is known as ‘the famine months.’
- The last feast celebration before deep winter is the ‘midwinter’ holiday.
- Winter Solstice is known as Tropical Uttarayana in Hindu astrology. However, Sidereal Uttarayana begins on Makara Sankranti, and Devkal starts on this day, a favorable time to begin auspicious labor.
Conclusion:
Key Difference Between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice
The key Difference Between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice is that Summer Solstice is the year’s longest day and shortest night, occurring on the 21st of June every year, while Winter Solstice is the year’s shortest day and longest night, occurring on the 22nd of December.
