Summer Solstice (redirected from summer solstices)

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°

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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.

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Summer Solstice

June 21-22 (Northern Hemisphere); December 21-22 (Southern Hemisphere)

There are times during the year, respectively in each hemisphere, when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator. It reaches its northernmost point around June 21, which is the longest day of the year for those living north of the equator, and its southernmost point around December 22, which is the longest day for those living in the Southern Hemisphere. The summer solstice marks the first day of the summer season—the word solstice is from the Latin word, solstitium, meaning "sun-stopping," since the point at which the sun appears to rise and set stops and reverses direction after this day.
Although it was very common to celebrate the summer solstice in ancient times, modern American observations are comparatively rare. But there are a number of solstice observances held by New Age and Neopagan groups throughout the United States.
See also Capac Raymi; Doan Ngu; Druids' Summer Solstice Ceremony; Midnight Sun Festival; Midsummer Day; Ysyakh

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 462
BkFest-1937, p. 136
DictDays-1988, pp. 69, 114
DictFolkMyth-1984, p. 1032
FestSaintDays-1915, p. 4
FestWestEur-1958, p. 68