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A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year as the Sun reaches its highest or lowest excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere.

As a result, on the day of the solstice the Sun appears to have reached its highest or lowest annual altitude in the sky above the horizon at local solar noon.

The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol ( sun ) and sistere ( to stand still ), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination ; that is, the seasonal movement of the Sun's path ( as seen from Earth ) comes to a stop before reversing direction.

The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons.

In many cultures the solstices mark either the beginning or the midpoint of winter and summer.