Solstice Animations

Released Tuesday, June 20, 2023

ID: 14366

Earth orbits at an angle, so half the year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun — this is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The other half of the year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, creating winter in the north and summer in the south.

Solstices happen twice per year, at the points in Earth’s orbit where this tilt is most pronounced. These days are the longest (in the summer hemisphere) and shortest (in the winter hemisphere) of the year, and mark the change of seasons to summer and winter, respectively.

Summer Solstice Animation With Labels

The summer solstice occurs when Earth’s tilt toward the Sun is at a maximum and the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, which is located at 23.5° latitude North. During the summer solstice, the Sun is at its highest point in the sky and marks the longest day of the year.

Summer Solstice Animation Without Labels

Winter Solstice Animation With Labels

The winter solstice occurs when Earth’s tilt away from the Sun is at a maximum and the Sun is directly over The Tropic of Capricorn, which is located at 23.5° latitude South. During the winter solstice, the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky and marks the shortest day of the year.