Solstice is a Latin word for “sun-stopping” or “sun stands still”. During a solstice the sun stays in the sky for a 
longer time than it usually does. This causes the sun to rise to the north of due east and set to the north of due west (and not at its usual points on the horizon). It occurs when the Earth’s axis tilts 23.5 degrees towards the sun, resulting in either the Tropic of Cancer in the north or the Tropic of Capricorn in the south to have the sun directly over them. This phenomenon is called summer solar solstice, when it happens during the summer time.
