The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin words for sun (sol) and to stand (sistere). Summer solstice occurs on the longest day of the year, usually June 20 or 21, although the sun’s position remains in pretty much the same place for a few days either side. During the summer solstice, the Earth’s axis is tilted at its closest point from the sun. This means that in the northern hemisphere, the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It’s also the longest day of the year – and the shortest night.
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