Know the Difference Between the Solstice and the Equinox?

We know that summer hits in a couple of weeks. In fact, if you want to be specific, Summer begins in Missouri on Monday, June 21, at 12:32 a.m. CST. So know that you have that information, does the solstice or the equinox take place at that time?

This summer solstice is always occurs during the period of June 20-22. According to the Farmers Almanac, the timing of the summer solstice is not based on a specific calendar date or time. It all depends on when the Sun reaches that northernmost point from the equator.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is known as the longest day of the year. Thus, in the Southern Hemisphere it's just the opposite as the shortest day of the year. In December, in the Northern Hemisphere, we have the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year.

The word solstice come from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). So on the summer solstice, the earth seems to stand still. Where this phenomenon actually takes place is the Artic Circle. At this time the sun seems to hug the horizon for 24 hours.

Equinox is from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). There are two times a year that we experience the equinox. In the Fall (late September) and in the Spring (late March). On these days the day and night are equal in length (same number of hours).

So know you should be able to explain to others the difference between the two if, and when, they come up in a conversation.