The summer solstice, which happens on June 21 or 22 each year, has the longest daylight time. It's also the first day of summer. The winter solstice, on December 21 or 22, has the shortest daylight time, and officially kicks off winter. This is only true in the Northern Hemisphere, though. Both the winter and summer solstice have been important to humans for a LONG time! Maybe we don't care so much anymore and hardly pay attention to these two special days....way back in the day these two days were so important ancient cultures depended on them and built huge monuments and held huge celebrations to remember these two days. Did someone say party? What exactly happens during the solstices? Well, the sun seems to rise and set in the same spot for a few days. The earth’s axial tilt places it either closest to or farthest from the sun, preparing to lengthen or shorten daylight hours that brings seasonal changes. The Northern Hemisphere experiences the summer solstice when the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing the winter solstice and vice versa. Closer to the equator, between both tropics, the sun remains high in the sky and is never very low resulting in year round tropical, humid weather with little seasonal changes. Around the world, ancient monuments channel the winter and summer solstice sun extremely precisely, especially in areas closest to both tropic latitudes. Stonehenge in England, Newgrange mound in Ireland, the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent in Mexico. Temple of Karnak in Egypt and the Sun Gate at Tiwanaku in Bolivia, are examples of winter solstice monuments. Stonehenge in England, the Carnac Complex in France, the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent in Mexico and the Guimar Pyramids in Tenerife, are examples of summer solstice alignments. Stonehenge Newgrange mound, Ireland Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Mexico. Temple of Karnak, Egypt. Sun Gate at Tiwanaku in Bolivia. Guimar Pyramids in Tenerife.
You know, that's a lot of effort used up, just to have a party!
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |