solstice | EarthSky

Solstices and equinoxes in a video from space

See how sunlight falls on Earth's surface during the solstices and equinoxes, and get a better understanding of why Earth's tilt causes the seasons.

Black-and-white diagram showing inner solar system of sun, Earth and Mars with arrows pointing to tilting poles.

Summer solstice on Mars’ northern hemisphere is today

The summer solstice on Mars' northern hemisphere occurs at 23:35 UTC today, July 12, 2023. At that time, the north pole is pointed most directly toward the sun.

Sunset at the beach with dramatic colors and a child silhouette to the side.

Latest sunsets follow the summer solstice

Latest sunsets around now for 40 degrees north latitude. Latest sunrises around now for 40 degrees south latitude. Plus, a word about twilight.

Black sky with big crescent moon at top right, brigth smaller Venus at bottom and even smaller Mars at top left.

Cosmic trio on June solstice 2023. Best photos.

On the June solstice, look west to spot a crescent moon near brilliant Venus and the dimmer, reddish Mars. This cosmic trio is a treat in our solstice sky.

Three curved, dotted sun tracks across the sky from various heights above the horizon down to the horizon.

Northernmost sunset is on the June solstice, today!

The northernmost sunset (and sunrise) happens at the June solstice. Here's some quick info that'll help you connect with nature on this special day.

Large, bright yellow circle of sun in deep orange sky with jet plane crossing in front of it.

Longest sunsets happen around the solstice

We're talking about how many minutes it takes for the body of the sun to sink below your western horizon. Longest sunsets take place around the solstices.

Idyllic scene of sunrise over the ocean beyond a large palm tree, with boats in the distance.

Earliest sunrises (or sunsets) come before June solstice

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, your earliest sunrises of the year are happening around now. Southern Hemisphere? Your earliest sunsets are around now.

Four black-and-white satellite views of Earth, with different seasonal tilts.

2023 December solstice: All you need to know

The 2023 December solstice is December 22, at 3:27 UTC (December 21, at 9:27 p.m. CST). Northern Hemisphere's shortest day. Southern Hemisphere's longest day.

Two lounging chairs on the beach with an umbrella.

Why aren’t the hottest days on the solstice?

June solstice 2023. It's the longest day for us on northern Earth, but the hottest days for the Northern Hemisphere are still to come. Why is that?

Low red horizontal streaks below deep blue sky, behind a bare tree.

Year’s shortest season starts at December solstice

The year's shortest season - between the December solstice and March equinox - is about 89 days. It's 5 days shorter than the longest season.

Two large black metal semicircles at right angles with Chicago skyline in distance.

Longest days accompany the December solstice

The longest days accompany the winter solstice. In December, a day - a whole cycle of day and night - is about half a minute longer than the average 24 hours.

Map of U.S. showing earliest sunset, latest sunrise by latitude.

Earliest sunset comes before winter solstice

Earliest sunset at mid-northern latitudes are happening now. What if you're in the Southern Hemisphere? Watch for your earliest sunrise.

Yellow phoenix with spread wings and flames around.

Summer solstice, cycles of nature and Chinese philosophy

In Chinese thought, the summer solstice is associated with the color red, the sound of laughing, the fire element and a red phoenix.

Sun setting at four locations over cityscape, labeled March, April, May, June.

Equinox fun: Track sun’s shift between now and solstice

On this equinox, start tracking the sunset point on your western horizon. You'll see a mighty shift between now and the June solstice.

A view of Earth from orbit, with the sun in the distance.

Are the December solstice and January perihelion related?

December solstice 2021 comes on December 21. Earth will be closest to the sun just 2 weeks later, on January 4. Coincidence?

Personal solstices: EarthSky community photos

Personal solstices - photos from the EarthSky community around the world - showing what the December solstice means to them.

Solstice sunset: a large yellow orb with sun details and some tree silhouettes in the foreground.

Solstice sunset from Penang, Malaysia

What a beauty! This EarthSky community member used a telescope to capture the solstice sunset from Malaysia on June 21, 2021.

Summer solstice tale of 2 cities

On the June solstice, the sun will set at the same time in New York City and St. Augustine, Florida. But New York will have an hour more of daylight. Why?

Solstice sun at southernmost point

The December solstice happens at 10:02 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 21, 2020. That time - the moment of solstice - marks the sun's southernmost point for this year.

Solstice tale of two cities

December solstice sunrise comes at the same time for St. Augustine, Florida, and New York City. But St. Augustine has an hour more of daylight than New York. Here's why.

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Solstices and equinoxes in a video from space

Summer solstice on Mars’ northern hemisphere is today

Latest sunsets follow the summer solstice

Cosmic trio on June solstice 2023. Best photos.

Northernmost sunset is on the June solstice, today!

Longest sunsets happen around the solstice

Earliest sunrises (or sunsets) come before June solstice

2023 December solstice: All you need to know

Why aren’t the hottest days on the solstice?

Year’s shortest season starts at December solstice

Longest days accompany the December solstice

Earliest sunset comes before winter solstice

Summer solstice, cycles of nature and Chinese philosophy

Equinox fun: Track sun’s shift between now and solstice

Are the December solstice and January perihelion related?

Personal solstices: EarthSky community photos

Solstice sunset from Penang, Malaysia

Summer solstice tale of 2 cities

Solstice sun at southernmost point

Solstice tale of two cities