Solstice: Quick Facts

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Diagram showing Earth's orbit around the Sun with labeled positions for the summer solstice, winter solstice, vernal equinox, and autumnal equinox, illustrating how Earth's tilt causes the seasons.

Earth's axis and sunlight

sunlight strikes parts of Earth differently

What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?

A large tree with leaves turning orange in fall.

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Topics

Winter solstice What’s the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?Summer solstice It’s Winter! It’s Summer!Season Celestial sphere Sun Equinox Ecliptic Midnight sun solar energy 6 Questions About the Sun Answered How hot is the Sun?The Sun Was Eaten: 6 Ways Cultures Have Explained Eclipses Solar eclipse Heliosphere Photosphere

The orbits of the planets and other elements of the solar system, including asteroids, Kuiper belt, Oort cloud, comet

Space Odyssey

Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.

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Scenic landscape of apple tree on field with seasons changing from Summer to Winter, solstice

Quick Quiz: Winter Solstice