Definition

One of the two points of the ECLIPTIC farthest from the CELESTIAL EQUATOR; one of the two points on the CELESTIAL SPHERE occupied by the SUN at maximum north or south DECLINATION. That in the northern hemisphere is called the summer solstice or first point of Cancer, and that in the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice or first point of Capricorn. Also called solsticial point. That instant at which the SUN reaches one of the solstices, about June 21 (summer solstice) or December 22 (winter solstice).