Solstices in AP Environmental Science

Definition

Solstices are the two points in the year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days of the year. The summer solstice occurs around June 21st and marks the beginning of summer, while the winter solstice occurs around December 21st and marks the beginning of winter.

Related terms

Equinoxes:

Equinoxes occur twice a year when day and night are approximately equal in length. The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring, while autumnal equinox marks fall.

Tropics: The tropics refer to regions near Earth's equator between 23.5 degrees north (Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5 degrees south (Tropic of Capricorn). These areas experience consistent warm weather throughout most of the year.

Axial tilt: Axial tilt refers to Earth's tilt on its axis relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. It is responsible for causing seasons and variations in daylight hours throughout different times of year.