What’s the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos and Videos

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.

What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Solstice Equinox It’s Winter! It’s Summer!Vernal equinox Precession of the equinoxes Winter solstice Autumnal equinox Summer solstice