summer solstice (redirected from June 21)

summer solstice

1. the time at which the sun is at its northernmost point in the sky (southernmost point in the S hemisphere), appearing at noon at its highest altitude above the horizon. It occurs about June 21 (December 22 in the S hemisphere)

2. Astronomy the point on the celestial sphere, opposite the winter solstice, at which the ecliptic is furthest north from the celestial equator. Right ascension: 6 hours; declination: 23.5°

---

summer solstice [′səm·ər ′säl·stəs]

(astronomy)

The sun's position on the ecliptic when it reaches its greatest northern declination. Also known as first point of Cancer.

The date, about June 21, on which the sun has its greatest northern declination.