What is a solstice?

A solstice is indeed defined as an astronomical event that occurs twice a year when the Sun's position reaches its greatest distance from the equator. This happens during the summer solstice and the winter solstice. During the summer solstice, the Sun is at its highest point in the sky at noon and marks the longest day of the year for the hemisphere experiencing summer. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the Sun is at its lowest point, resulting in the shortest day of the year for that hemisphere.

This definition relates to the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun, which causes varying sunlight exposure at different times of the year. Understanding this phenomenon is important in the context of the Earth's seasonal changes and can help provide insight into various cultural practices that revolve around these times.