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solstice
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seasonal configuration of Earth and Sun
What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?
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Scenic landscape of apple tree on field with seasons changing from Summer to Winter, solstice
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Four year old boy with grandfather and father lighting Hanukkah menorah. Photo taken on: December 21st, 2009
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Colorful winter sunset
What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?
seasonal configuration of Earth and Sun
seasonal configuration of Earth and Sun Earth's orbit around the Sun, with the positions of solstices and equinoxes.

solstice

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solstice, either of the two moments in the year when the Sun’s apparent path is farthest north or south from Earth’s Equator. In the Northern Hemisphere the summer solstice occurs on June 20 or 21 and the winter solstice on December 21 or 22. The situation is exactly the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed. At the winter solstice the day is the year’s shortest, and at the summer solstice it is the year’s longest. The term solstice also is used in reference to either of the two points of greatest deviation of the ecliptic (the ...(100 of 200 words)

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