|| Starpath online classroom || Celestial Navigation Glossary || Glossary Index || Home ||

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Solstices The two days of the year when the "sun stands still" over one of the two Tropics as it turns from an increasing to a decreasing declination. In northern latitudes, these are the longest day of the year (June 21 with the sun at declination N 23.45°) and the shortest day of the year (December 21 with the sun at declination S 23.45°). These two days mark the maximum excursion of the sunrise and sunset off of due east and west. The exact date when the declination is maximum can change slightly from year to year. See Amplitude and Equinoxes.

[close window]