Dec 21, 2018
Summer Solstice 2018 Observed (Southern Hemisphere)
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today we celebrate the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, also known as the Summer Solstice. As our earth circles the sun, the South Pole angles closest to the sun on December 21.
The word “solstice” derives from the Latin sol for “sun” and sistere meaning “to come to a stop or make stand.” On this day in the Southern Hemisphere, the sun ascends directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. While most of the world is experiencing winter, the sun shines 24 hours a day north of the Arctic—a natural wonder known as the Midnight Sun.
Everywhere from Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to Johannesburg and Jakarta, folks are enjoying this extra-long day by taking a break to bask in the late-night rays.
Happy Summer Solstice, Southern Hemisphere!
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