This section is from the book "The Home Cyclopedia Of General Information", by Charles Morris. Also available from Amazon: Home Cyclopedia of Necessary Knowledge.
[Fr., from L. solstitium.] The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator, either north or south, and at which it seems to stand still. The 21st of June is the summer, and 21st of December the winter solstice ; for some days before and after these dates the length of day is very similar. Both points are 230 28/ from the equator.
 
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