We get the name “solstice” from the Latin sōlstitium, meaning to stand still. It is on that day, this year June 21 at 12:39 AM Eastern, that the Sun “climbs” to the highest Northern point, 231/2 degrees from the equator to the aptly named Tropic of Cancer. From there it seems to take a rest, to stand stationary in the sky for a while, before beginning its journey south again. Of course, we know we are moving around the Sun (except for the 20 percent of Americans who still think the Earth is the center of the universe), but it was the appearance of climbing than rest that lead the ancients to call this day the Solstice.
It is at the Solstice that the Sun moves into the constellation of Cancer. Yes, the Sun does move in the galaxy just not around us! Hence, that high point above the equator that marks the Suns highest journey north is the Tropic of Cancer. I love when we bring the universe closer to home and are more in touch with its movements.
The Sun will begin his downward movement back to the equator for the Equinox and then Southward to the Tropic of Capricorn – 23 ½ degrees South of the equator for the Winter Solstice.
Of course, if you are below the equator in the Southern Hemisphere, then this June equinox is the beginning of winter!